Famine Early Warning Systems Network

Key Messages

• In West Africa, market availability was good in March with supplies from above-average 2015/16 regional harvests, and international rice and wheat imports. Markets remained disrupted throughout the Lake Chad Basin and in parts of Northern Mali. The recent depreciation of the Naira has led to price increases across Nigeria. 

• In East Africa, maize prices followed seasonal trends in surplus-producing Uganda and Tanzania. Harvests are estimated to be well below average in Ethiopia, but prices have remained stable with the availability of food through humanitarian assistance programs underway. The South Sudanese Pound was allowed to float in December, leading to a persistent depreciation of the local currency and reducing purchasing power. Markets remain disrupted by insecurity in South Sudan and Yemen. 

• In Southern Africa, although maize supplies remained well below-average, supplies from green harvests improved availability and generally eased pressure on prices, except in Mozambique where maize prices continued to increase sharply. Maize prices are well above-average levels across the region.

• In Central America, maize and bean supplies were stable with supplies from the Postrera and Apante harvests. Maize prices were generally stable, except in Nicaragua, while beans prices were mixed. Locally-produced bean and maize availability remained below-average in Haiti, while imported commodity prices and availability remained stable.

• In Central Asia, wheat availability remained adequate region-wide. Prices are below their respective 2015 levels in surplus-producing areas.

• International staple food markets remain well supplied. Maize, wheat, rice, and soybean prices were stable in March and below their respective 2015 levels. Crude oil prices increased but remained well below-average.