Choma-based economist Emmanuel Mweemba has urged government to exercise caution when implementing its maize export policy, despite projections of a 4-million metric tonne stock by the Food Reserve Agency (FRA).
Mweemba warns that the country must consider risks posed by climate change, regional food insecurity, and economic instabilities before aggressively pursuing exports.
He tells Byta FM News that if not handled well, Zambia’s maize exports could worsen food insecurity, hence the need to balance maize exports with domestic needs.
Mweemba suggests establishing strategic food reserves capable of sustaining the country for at least two years as a way to provide a cushion against poor harvests, price shocks, or emergencies.
He also notes the need to shift from exporting raw maize to processed products like mealie meal and flour, which offer better revenue, job creation, and industrial growth.
Cabinet has approved the export of 500,000 tonnes of surplus maize, citing sufficient stock to meet domestic consumption.
