Building resilence against climate variability

Rutendo Mazhindu

Zim Now Reporter

The 2023/24 agricultural season was one of the most challenging in Zimbabwe's history, with the El Nino drought reducing cereal production by a staggering 635,000 metric tonnes. This unprecedented deficit has highlighted the need for innovative strategies to combat climate variability and ensure sustainable agriculture.

According to Professor Obert Jiri, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Development, the recent drought has provided valuable lessons that must be turned into actionable solutions to build resilience among farmers. "We must learn from the hardships of the past season and ensure that our agricultural sector remains resilient against future calamities," he said.

The El Nino drought underscored the importance of early warning mechanisms. Although the drought was forecast, the nation's response systems lagged behind. Professor Jiri emphasized the need for greater investment in meteorological tools to provide farmers with timely and accurate weather forecasts.

In addition to improving early warning mechanisms, the Ministry of Agriculture has identified the need to support alternative food sources like rice and potatoes, which now account for the dietary staples of 15% of the population. "Diversification ensures that our agricultural sector remains resilient against future calamities," Professor Jiri noted.

The El Nino drought also highlighted the urgency of rehabilitating and expanding irrigation infrastructure to mitigate the effects of climate change. Farmers bore the brunt of the 2023/24 drought, suffering significant economic losses. "Together, we can build a resilient agricultural system that can endure challenging circumstances," Professor Jiri said.

Meteorological reports predict a La Nina pattern with normal to above rainfall expected during the October period, offering a promising start to the new agricultural season. Professor Jiri stressed the importance of early land preparation and acquisition of agri-inputs to capitalize on the favorable weather conditions. "A well-prepared farmer is a resilient farmer. Let us not waste the opportunities presented by the upcoming season," he urged.

As Zimbabwe looks to the future, it is clear that building a resilient agricultural system will require a multi-faceted approach. By investing in early warning mechanisms, diversifying food sources, rehabilitating irrigation infrastructure, and supporting farmers in preparing for the new season, Zimbabwe can reduce its vulnerability to climate variability and ensure a more sustainable agricultural sector.