Drought Crisis, Food Security Challenges, and Reco...

Drought Crisis, Food Security Challenges, and Recovery Plans Amid Climate Shocks

Oscar J. Jeke

Zim Now Reporter

Zimbabwe experienced a severe drought during the 2023/2024 cropping season, triggered by the El Niño phenomenon, which prompted the government to declare a National State of Disaster.

The drought severely impacted agricultural production, leading to significant crop failures and straining the country’s food security systems. Despite planting 1,777,540 hectares of maize, only 744,271 metric tonnes were harvested—representing a 77% reduction from the initial projections. Traditional grain yields also plummeted, with a 16% increase in planted area failing to offset the drought’s devastating effects on production.

Beyond crop failure, the drought’s impact extended to the agricultural economy as a whole. Livestock, particularly cattle, faced major losses due to inadequate grazing pastures and water shortages. In the worst-hit districts—Tsholotsho, Binga, Mangwe, and Bulilima—9,941 cattle were reported dead.

To mitigate these effects, the government distributed over 6,000 metric tonnes of silage, constructed 1,620 water troughs, and provided 1,464,756 hay bales to support livestock.

Water availability for irrigation also became a major concern, with many dams reaching critically low levels. This reduction in irrigation capacity further limited crop production. In response, the government intensified efforts to rehabilitate irrigation infrastructure under the Accelerated Irrigation Rehabilitation and Development Plan, with a goal of expanding irrigated land to 219,000 hectares. Key initiatives included the construction of new dams and the protection of vital water resources for agricultural use.

The socioeconomic consequences of the drought were devastating. Food insecurity surged, with an estimated 7.7 million people—51% of the population—requiring humanitarian aid. The Zimbabwe Livelihoods Assessment Committee found that 65% of urban households were food secure, but 35% faced critical food shortages. Rural areas, particularly those dependent on subsistence farming, were hardest hit. Many families relied heavily on government food aid and school feeding programs to survive.

In response, the government imported 1,014,574 metric tonnes of maize, wheat, and other grains to stabilize food supplies. The Strategic Grain Reserve (SGR) stock increased to 244,296 metric tonnes, while the Food Deficit Mitigation Program distributed 197,628 metric tonnes of grain and 17,421 metric tonnes of mealie-meal as part of the Emergency Schools Feeding Programme.

Looking ahead to the 2024/2025 season, the government has set ambitious targets to restore food production, aiming to produce over 4 million metric tonnes of major crops, a 347% increase from the drought-affected harvest. Preparations for the upcoming planting season have been extensive, with 91% of the targeted 9.5 million plots already prepared by 86% of the targeted 3.5 million households. Half of the required farming inputs have been distributed ahead of the November planting season.

The wheat harvest shows promising prospects, with a record yield of 518,502 metric tonnes already achieved from 106,238 hectares, surpassing the 2023 production of 465,546 metric tonnes. The government expects the wheat harvest to exceed 550,000 metric tonnes, which will make a significant contribution to the national food reserve. To support efficient harvesting, 291 combine harvesters were deployed across the country.

In a bid to further diversify agricultural production, Zimbabwe is also targeting an increase in other crops, such as tobacco and cotton. Tobacco production is projected at 300 million kilograms, with 117,000 registered growers, while cotton farming targets 418,800 farmers cultivating 270,000 hectares. The government is also working to expand irrigation to 219,000 hectares, ensuring a more resilient agricultural system.

Despite facing logistical and climatic challenges, the government has demonstrated a strong commitment to disaster preparedness and recovery planning. This includes establishing Ward Drought Mitigation Centers, expanding irrigation, and implementing tighter controls on input distribution. The 2024/2025 Summer Season Plan aims to significantly increase production volumes, with a target of over 4 million metric tonnes, up from 915,000 metric tonnes in the previous season.

The government’s strategy includes continued social support through grain distribution and school feeding programs. The national food security plan anticipates a need for 464,608.54 metric tonnes of grain to feed vulnerable populations until March 2025.

Current SGR stocks of 264,246 metric tonnes and projected imports of 300,000 metric tonnes are expected to meet this demand.