Zimbabwe in massive maize, wheat imports

Zimbabwe has imported 1.3 million metric tonnes of maize and wheat through the private sector to alleviate ongoing shortages caused by poor land utilisation, lack of funding, inadequate farming capacity, and persistent drought. The Cabinet revealed these figures following its meeting yesterday, as the country grapples with food insecurity despite significant investments in agriculture.

In a statement, the Cabinet announced: "A total of 1,349,877 metric tonnes comprising 1,127,411 metric tonnes of maize, 220,092 metric tonnes of wheat, and 374 metric tonnes of wheat flour were imported by the private sector from April 2024 to 2 February 2025. To date, 1,021 maize import permits have been issued to import five million metric tonnes. Government continues to monitor volumes of imports, stocks at millers, import prices, and import sources to eliminate arbitrage opportunities."

The government is aiming to reverse these trends in the 2024/2025 farming season, targeting a significant increase in cereal production. According to the Cabinet, cereal output is projected to rise to 3.2 million metric tonnes, compared to last season's 744,000 metric tonnes. Overall production volumes for major crops are expected to increase by 340%, from a mere 915,000 metric tonnes to over four million metric tonnes.

Preliminary data suggests that 99% of the maize planting target for the 2024/2025 season has already been achieved. However, Zimbabwe's heavy reliance on grain imports persists despite these efforts, with the country still struggling to achieve food security and self-sufficiency.

The roots of Zimbabwe's agricultural challenges trace back to the land reform programme initiated in 2000. While the programme sought to address colonial land imbalances through redistribution and to boost production, its implementation has faced significant setbacks. Poor funding, lack of expertise, and inadequate equipment among newly resettled black farmers have hindered its success. Instances of looting and the misuse of farm subsidies and implements have further undermined the programme's goals.

Despite billions being poured into initiatives such as Command Agriculture and the Presidential Input Scheme, the sector has failed to deliver the expected results. The current El Niño-induced drought has exacerbated the situation, with estimates pointing to a 60% drop in maize production for the 2024/25 marketing year.

To address the shortfall, Zimbabwe has lifted its ban on corn imports, allowing maize to be brought in to meet local demand. The country imported over 410,000 tonnes of maize worth US$128 million in the first quarter of 2024 alone. The Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe anticipates importing around one million tonnes of grain by March 2025.

Several factors contribute to Zimbabwe's dependence on grain imports, including high input costs, poor land utilisation, economic instability, and recurring droughts. Inflation and currency volatility have compounded these challenges, significantly affecting the agriculture sector's performance.

To mitigate the crisis, the government has introduced measures such as duty-free imports of essential food items, including maize, and the purchase of locally produced grain at import parity prices. These steps, coupled with increased planting in the current season, aim to boost production and reduce reliance on imports.

While the government's efforts show a renewed focus on addressing food security, structural issues in Zimbabwe's agriculture sector continue to present formidable obstacles. As the 2024/2025 farming season unfolds, the country remains hopeful that improved planning, monitoring, and policy implementation will help turn the tide and move Zimbabwe toward greater self-sufficiency.