Retail maize prices in Malawi increased by an average of 8 percent in July, according to the latest Maize Market Report released by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) on August 14. The IFPRI report indicates that the sharpest price hikes occurred in the Southern region, which has widened price differences between regions. Despite the rising costs, the institute noted that a continuous flow of maize imports across all monitored borders has helped prevent prices from climbing further.
In other farming developments, agricultural networks are highlighting youth-led initiatives to promote crop diversification. According to a recent media profile on young Malawian farmers, Salima-based Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) graduate Maxwell Banda is expanding his operations into cassava processing. Banda is converting cassava into various products to increase their market value and nutritional benefits. The Malawi AgriBiz Podcast and other agricultural advocates are sharing his progress to demonstrate the financial viability of cassava farming and to encourage more young people to enter the commercial agriculture sector.