Higher Soybean Prices in Zambia and Malawi Threaten Poultry Industry and Food Security

Lusaka/ Lilongwe – Rising soybean prices in Zambia and Malawi are posing a serious threat to the poultry industry, a key source of affordable protein for millions in the region. The price surge is driven by limited supply, rising production costs, and increased demand from local and international markets. 

Soybeans are a critical ingredient in poultry feed, and their rising cost is making chicken farming more expensive. This, in turn, is pushing up the prices of eggs and chicken meat, which are staple protein sources for households in both rural and urban areas. 

Industry players have expressed concern that the high cost of feed could force many small- and medium-scale poultry farmers out of business. "If this trend continues, we will see a sharp decline in poultry production, leading to higher consumer prices and reduced protein availability for many families," said a spokesperson from the Zambian Poultry Association. 

In Malawi, farmers are also feeling the impact. "The cost of soybean meal has nearly doubled in the last year. We are struggling to keep our businesses running while maintaining affordable prices for consumers," said a poultry farmer in Lilongwe. 

The high soybean prices are being attributed to poor harvests, export demand, and fluctuations in global commodity prices. Both Zambia and Malawi are major soybean producers in the region, and their supply dynamics have a significant impact on neighboring countries. 

Experts warn that if soybean prices remain high, poultry production could decline, leading to food shortages and increased malnutrition, especially among low-income households. Policymakers are being urged to explore measures such as import subsidies, strategic grain reserves, and incentives for local soybean production to stabilize prices and support the poultry sector. 

As governments and industry stakeholders look for solutions, consumers are already feeling the effects of higher prices at markets and grocery stores, raising concerns about food security across the region.

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