As the country is entering the peak phase of the main harvest period, Maize prices continue to remain relatively stable across the 17 monitored districts. However, the current prices in most districts remain higher than long term three year national average prices. As shown in fig 1, the highest district average prices per 1kg of maize were observed in Nsanje (MK206), while the lowest prices were recorded in Chitipa (MK125) which is 14 % higher than the official ADMARC prices, and 6% higher than the three year national average prices.
Out of 50 surveyed markets for the 20th week of price monitoring, maize prices ranged between MK125 to MK220 per kilogram (fig. 2 & table 1). Highest prices were recorded at MK 220/kg at Tomali in Chikwawa, Makanjira in Mangochi, and Sorgin in Nsanje, while the lowest prices were observed at Chitipa Boma market (MK125/kg). Despite the current stable maize prices, they still remain higher than usual and are expected to pick up earlier than normal in the coming consumption season.