Key Agricultural Updates
Weather uncertainty remains one of the main challenges facing African agriculture. El Nino conditions may strengthen during the second half of 2026, increasing the risk of irregular rainfall and agricultural drought in parts of East Africa, the Sahel, and Southern Africa.
In East Africa, rainfall has been uneven across Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Somalia, and surrounding areas. Some highland regions are receiving sufficient rainfall, while several rain-fed farming areas continue to face extended dry periods. Maize, beans, livestock pasture, and other rain-dependent crops may come under pressure if rainfall remains poorly distributed.
In West Africa and the Sahel, food-security risks remain high. Irregular rainfall, local drought, conflict, high food prices, and limited access to agricultural inputs are affecting production in Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Mali, Cameroon, and Senegal.
Southern Africa currently has relatively strong maize supplies. South Africa and Zambia are reporting good production, which is supporting regional grain availability and exports. However, increased supply is also placing pressure on maize prices and may reduce farmers' profit margins.
Fertilizer, fuel, and transportation costs remain uncertain across the continent. Farmers and agricultural businesses are therefore paying greater attention to reducing input waste, improving field efficiency, and lowering operating costs.
Regional Weather Overview
North Africa: Conditions are generally hot, sunny, and dry. Farmers should monitor irrigation requirements, soil-moisture loss, heat stress, and post-harvest storage conditions.
West Africa: The Gulf of Guinea region is humid, with cloudy conditions and scattered rainfall. Wet fields, waterlogging, fungal diseases, and delays in spraying or fertilizer application remain key concerns. Rainfall is more uneven in parts of Senegal and the Sahel.
East Africa: Ethiopia's highlands are generally cooler and wetter, while parts of Kenya, Uganda, Somalia, and the Horn of Africa face irregular rainfall and localized dryness. Soil moisture, pasture, and crop conditions should be checked closely before field operations.
Southern Africa: Most inland areas are cool and dry, with clear days and cold mornings. Conditions are generally favorable for maize harvesting, transportation, drying, and storage, although farmers should begin preparing for possible dry conditions before the next planting season.
Market Outlook
Key areas of attention include irrigation and water management, accurate field operations, grain drying and storage, drought-resistant seeds, and measures that reduce fuel, fertilizer, and labor costs.
Overall, Africa's agricultural outlook remains highly regional. Southern Africa currently benefits from stronger grain supplies, while East Africa and the Sahel face greater weather and food-security risks.
Email: Press@agricinafrica.com
Agriculture in Africa Media LBG
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