Zambia's 2005 Maize Import and Marketing Experiences: Lessons and Implications

This paper shows how government actions can affect the performance of the maize marketing system and influence the severity of food crises. Examples from the 2005/06 marketing season are used to illustrate how Zambia’s food security situation can be improved through closer consultation, transparency and predictability between government and the private sector. The paper also identifies longer-run options for strengthening the ability of local and regional markets to ensure household and national food security in the face of maize production instability.