Omalaitsha services decline?

The number of Zimbabweans using informal cross-border transporters, popularly known as Omalaitsha, to send money and goods home from South Africa and Botswana has dropped sharply, according to a new report by the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (Fews Net).

The report notes that key informants observed "an atypically low number" of informal cross-border drivers operating from the two neighbouring countries into southern Zimbabwe, although it did not provide exact figures.

Traditionally, Omalaitsha have been a lifeline for thousands of families in Matabeleland and other southern regions, ferrying cash and groceries across borders where formal banking channels have been inaccessible or costly.

However, Fews Net said the decline in their use coincides with a surge in the number of digital and formal money transfer agencies that now facilitate cross-border remittances more conveniently and securely.

"While a shift from informal in-kind remittances to more formal and informal money transfers has reportedly occurred in these areas, key informants indicate that the frequency and values of all forms of transfers are typically low, impacting food access for households that rely on remittances as a key source of food and income," the report stated.

The decline in remittance inflows has worsened household vulnerability in rural areas, particularly where families depend heavily on migrant relatives in South Africa and Botswana.

Fews Net also reported that cattle market supply across Matabeleland South remains below last year's levels, largely due to the slow recovery of herds after years of drought-induced losses.

"The decreased supply is due to below-average herd sizes and slow recovery following consecutive years of cattle losses due to past poor rainfall; also, there are very few to no distress or forced sales, as was the case previously," the report said.

Livestock markets in the region are now dominated by goats and chickens, as poor households increasingly turn to smaller livestock that are less vulnerable to drought.

"Key informants report that some households are considering shifting to only small livestock production due to the high vulnerability of cattle to drought," the agency added.

Meanwhile, preparations for the 2025/26 agricultural season have begun, with activities such as land clearing, digging conservation basins, and securing farm inputs already underway.

Although agricultural inputs such as seed and fertiliser are readily available on the market, Fews Net noted that prices remain "beyond the reach of most low-income households," forcing many to depend on government input schemes or retained seed from the previous harvest.

The organisation expressed optimism for the upcoming rainy season, forecasting "an overall favourable 2025/26 rainy season" expected to boost crop yields, replenish water sources, and improve pasture conditions for livestock.

If realised, the outlook could offer much-needed relief for drought-stricken households still recovering from several consecutive poor seasons.