Zimbabwe's food crisis set to worsen

Zimbabwe is grappling with worsening food shortages as more than half the population faces hunger due to delayed rains and the ongoing effects of drought. The situation is expected to persist during the lean season, with most areas receiving below-average rainfall and some crops already written off due to high temperatures.

Many farmers have been forced to replant their fields after initial efforts failed, while others are unable to afford new seed due to financial constraints. The delayed onset of the rainy season has compounded the challenges faced by rural communities, leaving them vulnerable to food insecurity.

The Meteorological Services Department predicts that the country will experience normal to above-normal rainfall for the rest of the season. However, the World Food Programme (WFP) has warned that short-term conditions remain drier than usual, requiring heightened monitoring.

A recent WFP report highlighted the unavailability of maize grain on most markets, with unrefined maize meal accessible in only 95% of rural and urban markets. Food prices continue to rise, both locally and internationally, further straining household budgets.

"Prices of food on the international market saw a slight upward movement of about 0.5%, with the FAO price index standing at 127.5 points. This is the largest month-on-month increase since April 2024," the WFP noted.

The Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FewsNet) anticipates a crisis-level Phase 3 food insecurity between October 2024 and March 2025. This period, the peak lean season, is when food assistance needs typically escalate.

"Food security is expected to improve in April or May during the harvest period, with some areas transitioning to Stressed (IPC Phase 2) conditions," FewsNet said.

The 2023/2024 agricultural season was marred by El Niño-induced drought, characterized by low rainfall and extreme temperatures. This severely impacted the 2024 cereal harvest, driving up import needs to an estimated 1.3 million tonnes, nearly double the five-year average, according to the FAO.

The FAO noted that low soil moisture in key agricultural zones, particularly in the north-eastern provinces, hindered planting operations and delayed crop development.

Agriculture Minister Anxious Masuka described the drought as the worst since Zimbabwe's independence in 1980. He stated that the government is supporting 12.74 million people, or approximately 83.4% of the population, with food assistance.

Masuka emphasized that efforts are underway to mitigate the effects of the drought, including improving irrigation systems and securing food imports to replenish stocks.

While predictions of normal to above-normal rainfall offer some hope, the immediate food security crisis underscores the need for urgent assistance and long-term strategies to build resilience against climate-induced challenges. The lean season remains a critical period as millions await relief in the form of improved harvests or external aid.