Swazi Observer

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FAO FORECASTS PROMISING CEREAL PRODUCTION IN 2025

By Nomfanelo Maziya | 2025-03-06

The country’s 2025 cereal production prospects are promising; thanks to conducive weather conditions following a late start to the rainy season, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization.

The GIEWS country brief indicates that despite initial delays in planting, rainfall has been favorable since December, leading to positive vegetation conditions and expectations of average to above-average maize yields.
Government's continued support through the Input Subsidy Programme and investments in irrigation is projected to further boost agricultural resilience.

However, the 2024 El Niño-induced drought significantly impacted maize production, resulting in an estimated 25 per cent decline compared to the five-year average.
Consequently, maize import requirements for the 2024/25 marketing year are expected to rise moderately.
Wheat imports are also anticipated to increase due to favorable prices in South Africa, the country’s primary cereal source.
The drought's impact extended to consumer prices, with maize meal prices reaching record highs in late 2024, mirroring trends in South Africa.

While prices slightly decreased by December, they remained significantly higher year-on-year. Conversely, wheat flour prices were lower, reflecting South African market trends.
The combined effects of the drought and high staple food prices have worsened food insecurity in Eswatini.
According to the latest IPC analysis, approximately 304 000 people are facing acute food insecurity (IPC Phase 3 or above) between October 2024 and March 2025, a seven per cent increase from the previous year.

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