Malawi bans Maize imports from Kenya, Tanzania over disease

A man stands on his washed-away maize field in Chiradzulu, Malawi, on March 17, 2023, after Cyclone Freddy destroyed thousands of hectares of crops. Amid the resulting food shortage, Malawi this week banned imports of maize from Kenya and Tanzania over disease concerns. [File, VOA]

Malawi, which already is suffering from food shortages, this week banned the import of unmilled maize from Kenya and Tanzania over concerns that the spread of maize lethal necrosis disease could wipe out the staple food.

The Ministry of Agriculture announced the ban in a statement that said the disease has no treatment and can cause up to 100% yield loss. The statement said maize can be imported only after it is milled, either as flour or grit.