Consumers Association of Malawi (Cama) has urged the government to increase funding for maize procurement to protect households from looming hunger.
This comes following dry spells in parts of the Southern and Central regions.
The dry conditions have caused maize crops to wilt in some areas, raising fears of a poor harvest during the current agriculture season.
Cama Executive Director John Kapito said declining purchasing power and rising living costs meant any food shortage could quickly drive up prices and inflation.
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“We have seen signs that this dry spell might challenge our mainstream food habits. Planning is important. We need to start preparing early for winter cropping and irrigation farming,” Kapito said.
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He also called on the authorities to buy maize already held by local traders to replenish the national grain reserves.
Centre for Social Concern (CfSC) Economic Governance Programmes Officer Agness Nyirongo said government interventions must also prioritise social protection and poverty reduction to shield vulnerable households.
“Households are grappling with a persistently high cost of living, stagnant incomes, rising unemployment and shrinking purchasing power,” Nyirongo said.
She said rising food prices, high transport costs, erratic electricity supply and climate shocks have further weakened household livelihoods.
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Economics Association of Malawi (Ecama) President Bertha Bangara Chikadza said Malawi remained heavily dependent on tobacco exports and maize for food.
“This concentration makes the economy extremely vulnerable to climate risks and global health campaigns against tobacco use. Efforts to build strong value chains for alternative crops have largely failed,” Chikadza said.
Meanwhile, the National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) resumed maize purchases on December 31 last year, attracting large volumes from traders, but halted buying two weeks ago, a move that has reportedly left traders stranded.
In the 2025-26 national budget, the government allocated K60 billion for maize purchases, with an additional K20 billion provided for logistics in the revised mid-year budget.
