The early harvesting of immature maize by smallholder farmers in Malawi has become an increasingly widespread and alarming trend, driven by an interplay of factors such as theft, food insecurity, economic pressure, and erratic weather patterns. While this practice may temporarily relieve households grappling with hunger or financial distress, it is costing farmers heavily in terms of grain quality, post-harvest losses, income potential, and, most critically, food security.

In a recent study conducted by researchers, Dr Innocent Pangapanga-Phiri, Dr Donald Makoka, Dr Chiyembekezo Chafuwa, Moses Chitete, Joseph Kanyamuka, Dr Thabbie Chilongo, Wongani Chirwa, Patrick Kawaye-Chimseu, Dr Agnes Mwangwela, and Professor Charles Jumbe at Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) raises red flags for agricultural policymakers and the broader development community.

According to the study, which surveyed 291 smallholder farmers across Blantyre and Lilongwe in April 2025, 89% of respondents admitted to harvesting maize before full maturity, mainly to prevent theft. Farmers reported that maize is often stolen from fields as it nears maturity, particularly in urban and peri-urban areas like Blantyre, Lilongwe, Mzuzu, and Zomba.
However, the consequences of such premature harvesting are severe. Immature maize, typically harvested with grain moisture levels exceeding 30%, is highly susceptible to fungal infestation and mycotoxin contamination, notably aflatoxins, potent toxins linked to liver cancer and child stunting. The study found that 42% of farmers experienced increased post-harvest losses due to premature harvesting, with the weakened seed coats of immature grains leading to poor storability, higher breakage during handling, and reduced yields.

"Post-harvest losses from early maize harvesting can reach between 40% to 80%, depending on storage conditions and drying practices," noted the study. "Moreover, immature maize lacks essential structural integrity, resulting in grain damage during shelling, transport, and processing," finds the study.

Grain quality also suffers. Roughly 34% of surveyed farmers observed that their immature maize turned discoloured, had a strange taste, and was more prone to pest attacks. These attributes reduce the nutritional value of the maize and compromise its marketability. Flour made from such maize exhibits poor cooking qualities and lower starch content, while immature seeds show a reduced germination rate often as low as 20%, further threatening future harvests.

The implications for food and income security are stark. The study projects that 66% of surveyed households will face food insecurity by November 2025, rising to 96% by December and reaching 100% by January 2026 unless interventions are implemented. Incomes are also affected. Immature maize fetches lower prices in the market due to quality degradation. Farmers in the study reported selling maize at prices ranging between MWK 500 and 900 per kilogram, often below the break-even point due to desperation and lack of storage options.

To address this urgent issue, the researchers offer a set of targeted policy recommendations aimed at both immediate and long-term mitigation including strengthening community security to curb theft and illegal maize trade; tightening regulation of maize movement whereby District Assemblies, City Councils, and the Malawi Police Service should work together to enforce bans on green maize sales, enhance surveillance at roadblocks, and prevent unauthorized transportation of maize.

In addition, the study recommended social safety nets providing food-for-work or cash-for-work programs during lean seasons to cushion farmers from resorting to premature harvesting; enhanced agricultural extension services to educate them on optimal harvest timing, monitor grain moisture levels, and provide timely weather forecasts for better planning and encouraging the use of certified community grain reserves to enable farmers to delay maize sales until prices improve.

It further recommended the development of formal market channels that incentivize good post-harvest handling practices to encourage farmers to adopt better storage and drying methods, as well as the promotion of winter cropping and investment in breeding programs for maize varieties with improved post-harvest traits.

As Malawi grapples with food insecurity and climate change, addressing the issue of premature maize harvesting is no longer optional but imperative. The findings of this study provide an evidence-based roadmap that can help safeguard the nation's food systems, protect rural livelihoods, and ensure healthier outcomes for millions. If implemented holistically, these recommendations could shift the country from a cycle of short-term coping to long-term resilience. The time to act is now....