Farmers brace for another unpredictable season as erratic rains start

The past couple of weeks have seen some parts of Zimbabwe receiving rain with a hailstorm battering sections of Harare. But weather experts have warned farmers to hold off planting.

Most input supplies that ZimNow visited reported increased sales of seed and fertilisers by small holder farmers.

According to the outlook for the 2025-26 season, the rains may arrive late and remain uneven, putting pressure on seeds, soils and already tight harvest calendars.

Analysts warn that while the overall forecast suggests favourable rainfall for 2025/26, the key risk lies in timing and distribution: early planting could be frustrated by an early dry-spell, and a shortened season may reduce yields even if total rainfall appears adequate.

More than 70% of Zimbabwe’s agriculture remains rain-fed, meaning every shift in start date or intensity matters.

More small holder farmers are reverting to traditional drought-tolerant crops such as millet and sorghum, while experimenting with conservation agriculture to minimise soil and moisture loss.

Farmers are being urged to diversify their crop mix and seek out weather-indexed insurance products where available.