Zambia bans maize exports
2005-03-06 12:21
Lusaka - Zambia has banned maize exports to neighbouring countries with immediate effect because of a countrywide drought that could lead to serious food shortages this year, the agriculture minister said on Sunday.
Mundia Sikatana told AFP his government had decided to ban exports of the country's staple in order to build up its food reserves.
"This is just a precautionary measure. We don't want our people to starve this year," the minister said.
Zambia was the only southern African country to have recorded an unprecedented food surplus last year, enabling it to export to neighbouring Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Namibia and Zimbabwe.
Low rainfall in most parts of Zambia has affected maize yields while some crops have failed to mature due to the scorching heat.
- AFP