Famine Early Warning Systems Network

Key Messages

• In West Africa, market availability was adequate in August with supplies from 2014/15 harvests and international rice and wheat imports. Regionally-produced staple food prices were stable or increased seasonally. Markets remained disrupted in areas directly and indirectly affected by conflict in northeastern Nigeria and neighboring countries.

• In East Africa, maize prices varied considerably across the region last month: decreasing with the onset of harvests in South Sudan, parts of Tanzania, and Kenya, and increasing in Uganda. Conflict and insecurity continued to disrupt markets in parts of South Sudan, Somalia, and across Yemen.

• In Southern Africa, regional maize production for the 2015/16 marketing year is estimated to be below-average at the regional level. Production is significantly below average in Malawi and Zimbabwe. Zambia regional exports remained well above-average while South Africa’s exports remained well below-average. Maize prices remained stable or began to seasonally increase as stocks tightened and are well above average price levels across the region.

• In Central America market supplies of locally-produced maize and beans were below-average across the region due to the effects of subsequent below-average harvests over 2013 and 2014, and the recent 2015 Primera harvest. Maize prices were generally stable across the region. Red bean prices decreased in El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua while black bean prices in Guatemala were stable. Locally produced bean prices increased considerably in Haiti in recent months, while imported commodity prices remained stable.

• In Central Asia, wheat availability remained good region-wide. Prices are below their respective 2014 levels in surplus-producing areas.

• International staple food markets remain well supplied. Maize, wheat, rice, and soybean prices were all stable in September. While maize prices were similar to 2014 levels, wheat, rice, and soybean prices were below their respective 2014 levels. Crude oil prices were stable in September and remained below-average.