Zimbabwe records 290% increase in food production

Zimbabwe has recorded a remarkable 290% increase in food crop production during the 2024-25 farming season compared to the previous season, according to the Zimbabwe Livelihoods Assessment Committee (ZimLAC) 2025 Rural Livelihoods Assessment Report.

The report attributes the surge in production to a transition to a stronger La Niña phase in the latter half of the season, which brought more favourable rainfall and optimal conditions for planting and crop growth. Improved agroecological practices also contributed to higher yields, particularly for sorghum and pearl millet.

Maize production for the season was estimated at 2,293,556 metric tonnes, while traditional grains reached 634,650MT, bringing total cereal output to 2,928,206MT. The report noted that yields from-PFumvudza/Intwasa farming for maize were slightly higher than those from conventional methods. Other crops showed significant growth, with tobacco production expected to rise by 15%, cotton by 52%, and sunflower by 303%.

ZimLAC further highlighted that favourable climate conditions and historically high gold prices during the first half of 2025 boosted both agricultural and mining activities. The government implemented people-centred interventions to ensure food and nutrition security, targeting six million rural residents with a package of pulses, oils, and cereals.

To address water scarcity challenges, the government is rolling out the Presidential Borehole Drilling Scheme, aimed at increasing access to safe drinking water and strengthening multi-sectoral structures to respond cohesively to food and nutrition challenges. Measures also included easing restrictions on maize grain trade to improve availability and distribution.

The assessment used household food insecurity prevalence as a key indicator, ensuring a 95% confidence level of statistical representativeness at district, provincial, and national levels. The report underscores Zimbabwe's efforts to enhance food security while leveraging favourable climatic conditions and strategic government interventions.