FARMERS ONLY SOLVING THE SHORT TERM PROBLEM WHILE NEGLECTING THE LONG TERM PROBLEM : INTO THE PROJECTED HUNGER PROBLEM

 

Agricultural Policy expert Tamani Nkhono has stated that what farmers in the country are doing in selling their harvest prematurely is capable of only  solving the short term problem while creating a long term problem.

Nkhono made the remarks whilst commenting on the rise in cases of farmers in the country selling their Maize harvest in desperation of dealing with the current economic hardships they are facing as well as hunger problems.

He said: “It seems the farmers are not looking into the future. They are of the perception that while they solve the current challenge, the future problems will address themselves.”

This comes after a report by the Nations Publications Limited disclosed some cases of farmers in the country opting to sell their Maize produce in an effort to solve their current economic hardships being attributed to the country's current economic hardships as well as hunger issues .

While this is the case now in most parts of the country, the government has been urging Farmers and the general public at large to desist from selling their Farm produces prematurely mainly Maize as a result of a projected hunger period which is expected to hit the country this year due to a number of issues ranging from various climatic shocks experienced throughout the district, mainly dry spells, cyclones and floods leading to below average crop production; economic decline, including the effects of the war in Ukraine on fuel and commodity prices to  the 25 percent devaluation of the Malawi Kwacha.

El Nino  which is a climatic phenomenon often associated with delayed start of rainfall, below-normal precipitation and dry spells is anticipated  to hugely also  reduce Malawi’s gross domestic product (GDP) by 4.4 percent.

Since  Malawi’s agricultural production solely relies on rainfed agriculture with the sector accounting for more than one-quarter of the GDP, a fall in harvest is being projected.

 Agricultural policy experts world wide  advise farmers against selling maize produce too early for several reasons related to long-term problems including;

1. Price Fluctuations: Maize prices can vary significantly throughout the year due to factors like supply, demand, and market conditions. Selling too early could mean missing out on potentially higher prices later in the season when prices tend to rise.

2. Storage Costs: Storing maize can incur costs, but if the cost of storage is lower than the potential price increase, it may be more profitable to store the maize and sell it later.

3. Supply Security:  Selling all maize produce early could lead to supply shortages later in the year, which could affect the market and potentially lead to higher prices for consumers.

4. Income Stability:  By diversifying selling times, farmers can potentially stabilize their income throughout the year, reducing the risk of financial hardship during lean periods.

5. Risk Management: Holding onto a portion of the maize as a reserve can help mitigate risks associated with crop failure, market fluctuations, or other unforeseen events.

6. Market Dynamics: Selling too much maize early in the season could contribute to an oversupply, driving prices down further and reducing overall profitability for farmers.

To solve this short term issues, Experts suggest farmers to employ the following remedies;

1. Diversify Crops: Plant a variety of crops with different harvest times to ensure a continuous food supply.

2.Improve Storage Facilities: Invest in proper storage facilities like silos or granaries to preserve maize for longer periods.

3. Collective Action: Join farmer cooperatives to collectively negotiate prices and access markets, reducing the need to sell produce early at lower prices.

4. Use of Contracts: Enter into contracts with buyers or agencies guaranteeing the purchase of maize at a fair price, ensuring a steady income.

5.Government Support: Advocate for and access government support programs such as subsidies, loans, and market information services to mitigate risks and stabilize income.

6. Preserve for Personal Consumption:  Allocate a portion of the maize harvest for personal consumption during lean periods, reducing the need to sell immediately.

7. Utilize Crop Insurance:  Invest in crop insurance to protect against crop failure and income loss due to unforeseen events.

This analysis by these experts is a clear indication of the need for farmers in the country to keep their Maize produce as the country gears up to fight the projected hunger issue .

Article by Benjamin GK Nyirenda