South Africa's Maize Prices Face New Risks as El Niño Raises Drought Concerns
South Africa's Maize Prices Face New Risks as El Niño Raises Drought Concerns By SA360 NEWS | 10 October 2026 | Business & Agriculture South Africa's agricultural sector faces renewed uncertainty as concerns about El Niño weather conditions raise questions over maize production, food prices and the country's food security. JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA — South African farmers and consumers are watching weather developments closely as the possibility of El Niño conditions creates uncertainty ahead of the country's important summer crop-growing season. Maize is one of South Africa's most important agricultural commodities, serving as a staple food for millions of households and a key ingredient in animal feed. Changes in rainfall patterns could therefore have consequences extending far beyond farming communities. Why El Niño Matters for South Africa El Niño is a climate phenomenon associated with unusually warm sea-surface temperatures in parts of the tropical Paci...