Persistent drought threatens cereal prices

Friday, May 20, 2016

The region has been hit by the worst drought in 34 years

The recurring incidences of drought in the country are threatening to drive up food prices, especially of cereals, according to Statistics Botswana (SB). Due to the drought, SB said agricultural production, especially cereal in particular, has been low, worsening the already existing problem of food insecurity.

“This has caused an increase in cereal requirements leading to more cereal imports and increased food prices,” stated the statistical agency.

Data published by SB in its latest edition of the natural disasters digest shows that the total cereal requirements fluctuated between the years 1998 and 2007.

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