Erratic rains and an intense dry period in January lowers 2018 cereal production prospects in Southern Africa.

Highlights:

• Erratic precipitation and well below-average rains in January have lowered Southern Africa’s overall 2018 cereal production prospects.
• Current national maize stocks are forecast at above-average levels due to the record outputs in 2017; this should partly cushion the expected production declines in 2018.
• Reduced harvests are still foreseen to intensify food insecurity in 2018, increasing the number of people in need of assistance; however, humanitarian needs expected to remain below the levels of 2016.