Zambia flags off maize exports for humanitarian operations in neighboring countries

The Zambian government on Wednesday flagged off the export of 48, 000 tons of maize for humanitarian operations in neighboring countries under the World Food Program (WFP).

The maize will go towards humanitarian efforts in Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe where people need food assistance due to poor harvests.

Patrick Kangwa, Coordinator of the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU), who flagged off the export of last season's maize in Lusaka, the country's capital, said Zambia will continue to assist neighboring countries to mitigate the suffering caused by poor harvests.

He said assessments have shown that about 40 million people were in need of humanitarian assistance in the southern African region of which 23 million require urgent humanitarian assistance.

He however said the government has put in place adequate monitoring mechanisms to ensure that the country maintains enough food stocks for local consumption.

WFP Director in Zambia Simon Cammelbeeck commended Zambia for allowing his organization to export maize to neighboring countries for humanitarian operations.

He said the food was vital especially for vulnerable groups such as women and the children.

Last week, Zambia granted the WFP an exemption to export maize for use in its humanitarian operations in neighboring countries.

Zambia has banned the export of maize in order to ensure local food security. Endit