Zambia has successfully completed its government-to-government maize procurement agreement with Tanzania, securing a total of 650,000 metric tonnes of maize. This strategic initiative was aimed at mitigating the severe effects of the El Niño-induced drought that significantly disrupted Zambia’s agricultural output last year.
The final shipment of 195,000 metric tonnes of maize was dispatched from Sumbawanga, Western Tanzania, yesterday, marking the conclusion of the emergency supply arrangement. A Zambian delegation comprising senior officials from the Food Reserve Agency (FRA), Ministry of Agriculture, and the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) witnessed the shipment to ensure smooth execution of the agreement.
FRA Executive Director Justine Chuunka confirmed that the entire maize consignment under this emergency procurement has now been fully accounted for and received. He extended sincere appreciation to Tanzania’s National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) for their commitment in fulfilling Zambia’s order on time.
Chuunka explained that last year’s drought declaration by the Zambian government necessitated urgent procurement of maize to prevent food insecurity and hunger among vulnerable populations. The government-to-government arrangement with Tanzania’s NFRA proved crucial in addressing the maize deficit caused by poor rainfall.
Amos Mumba, DMMU Director of Emergency Operations, indicated that the final maize consignment is expected to arrive in Zambia within two weeks. Distribution plans are already underway, with priority given to regions most affected by last year’s drought. Mumba also acknowledged logistical challenges encountered in transporting the large volumes of maize, but confirmed that all issues were successfully resolved.
Ministry of Agriculture’s Director of Agribusiness and Marketing, Peter Zulu, praised the collaborative efforts between FRA Zambia, NFRA Tanzania, and DMMU. He described the operation as a successful and timely response aligned with government directives to cushion citizens against the harsh impacts of the drought.
The El Niño weather phenomenon last year severely disrupted rainfall patterns across Zambia, leading to reduced crop yields and heightened food insecurity. This maize procurement deal with Tanzania has provided an essential buffer, ensuring sufficient food supplies during a challenging agricultural season.
With the completion of the maize import, Zambia strengthens its food security outlook as it continues to recover from the adverse effects of the drought, safeguarding the wellbeing of its citizens.