Africa: Zimbabwe and Zambia turn to East Africa for maize support

Southern African countries, once regional food basket and a significant supplier of grain to East Africa, now faces a substantial deficit, prompting them to turn to Uganda and Kenya for maize. Zambia, grappling with a deficit exacerbated by the ongoing drought in Southern Africa, is seeking to procure at least 500,000 tonnes of maize from Uganda. Similarly, Kenya's William Ruto has pledged maize to Zimbabwe to alleviate the hunger crisis in Harare. During a recent official visit to Zimbabwe, President Ruto committed to donating $1 million worth of maize to supplement the government's drought relief efforts. Zambia is contending with famine due to a prolonged dry spell that has severely affected maize production in 84 out of its 116 districts. According to Uganda's Ministry of Agriculture, there is an agreement to supply up to 500,000 tonnes of maize to Zambia. The move could strain supplies to Kenya and increase the cost of staple given the fact that the country relies on cross ...