Retail maize prices remain fairly stable since the start of the harvest

• The majority of rural households face Minimal (IPC Phase 1) acute food insecurity outcomes. The food security situation is stable as a result of improved food availability at the household level and access through market purchases. In comparison to this time last year, food security across the country is much better.

• Between April and May, maize prices decreased in most of the monitored markets. These lower prices are improving food access among poor rural households that typically do not harvest enough food to carry them through the consumption year. Food prices are generally stable and expected to follow normal seasonal trend. The prices are approaching the five year average, but will generally be lower than last year’s prices. Crops including maize, rice, groundnuts, cassava, and beans are available in markets.

• Food insecurity outcomes for the majority of households is expected to remain Minimal (IPC Phase 1) from July to September due to continued food supplies in the markets, reasonable prices, and access to the main and second season harvest at the household level.

For more detailed analysis, see the Food Security Outlook for April.