Good rains boost Zambia's maize output despite drought fears

Zambia expects an increase in its maize production for the year 2016. Despite earlier harsh weather warnings, domestic production is projected to increase from 2.62 million tonnes last year to 2.87 million this year.

Improved rainfall in most parts of the country between January and April, has dispelled fears that the El Nino phenomenon would further fuel a decline in production.

The country now has 635,000 tonnes of maize in the farms.

#Zambia’s increase maize production will boost economic growth, which slumped to slowest pace in 17yrs https://t.co/g7PRkEazz1 via BDliveSA

— US Embassy SA (USEmbassySA) May 5, 2016

The increase will also push stocks into surplus that could be exported to countries like South Africa that has imported over 3.8 million tons of maize to meet domestic demand.

The increased production is also expected to have a positive effect on the Zambia’s economy, which recorded a seventeen-year historic low last year.