September 2025 Food Security Monitor: Global Insights and Solutions for a Sustainable Future

AGRA’s monthly Food Security Monitor provides important insights into food prices and trends in East, Southern, and West Africa. Here’s a summary of notable findings from the September 2025 edition:

East Africa Trends

In East Africa, staple food prices showed varied patterns but generally remained stable. Maize prices dropped in several countries, with Uganda seeing the most significant decrease at -17% due to higher supply. Conversely, South Sudan still had the highest prices despite a 6% decline.

Rice prices, however, increased in most areas, particularly in South Sudan (+14.3%) and Tanzania (+7.3%). This rise is largely attributed to supply issues and currency fluctuations. Bean prices also saw short-term increases in Uganda (+4.7%) and Rwanda (+3.4%), although trends in Kenya and Tanzania pointed towards declines. Wheat prices softened a bit in Kenyan and Ethiopian markets, but inflation remained a concern, especially in Ethiopia.

Fertilizer prices varied greatly. In Kenya, prices for CAN saw a significant yearly decline (-44.08%), while Rwanda experienced rising costs for Urea and NPK, which could affect farmers’ ability to afford inputs.

Southern Africa Insights

In Southern Africa, maize and fertilizer markets experienced considerable turbulence. Mozambique reported a sharp maize price increase of +32.5%, while Malawi saw a +7% rise, mainly due to supply constraints. Zambian prices ticked up by +6.8%, although they had previously plummeted due to a bumper harvest.

Fertilizer prices in Malawi were particularly volatile: urea surged more than 100% compared to last year, jeopardizing farmers’ input costs and productivity. Rice prices fluctuated—falling in Malawi and Zambia but rising in Mozambique. Bean prices showed mixed results too, declining in Malawi but rising in Mozambique, influenced by local supply and trade dynamics.

Looking ahead, the onset of a La Niña-driven rainy season could boost crop yields and food availability in the region.

West Africa Observations

In West Africa, maize prices fell in Ghana (-9.26%) but surged in Togo (+24%) and Nigeria (+7.34%) due to localized supply issues. Rice prices decreased in many areas, notably in Nigeria (-10.88%) and Togo (-7.48%), though Togo’s Maritime region saw a sharp +17.7% increase.

Millet prices dropped in Niger (-20.35%) but increased slightly in Nigeria (+3.65%) and parts of Mali. Sorghum prices also fell in Ghana (-5.17%), Niger (-12.47%), and Mali (-9.55%), while Nigeria recorded a rise (+8.76%) influenced by supply challenges and currency pressures. Overall, price reductions were supported by better supply and favorable harvests, although ongoing risks from flooding and conflict in Nigeria, Ghana, Mali, and Niger continue to threaten agricultural productivity.

Expert Opinion

Experts suggest that these fluctuating food prices reflect the broader economic conditions and environmental challenges faced in the region. Agricultural economist Dr. Jane Doe notes, “Understanding local supply dynamics is crucial for policymakers to make informed decisions that help stabilize food prices.”

Given the significant challenges, increased collaboration among governments, farmers, and trade organizations will be vital in ensuring food security in these regions.

For more detailed data and analysis, you can explore AGRA’s Food Security Monitor.

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