Zim to Face Severe Food Shortages Amid Rain Delays
The Meteorological Services Department has forecasted that Zimbabwe will experience normal to above-normal rainfall this farming season. However, food shortages affecting over half the population are expected to continue during the lean period.
Many regions are suffering from a delayed rainy season, with most areas receiving below-average rainfall.
As a result, numerous crops have already been declared lost due to high temperatures, forcing some farmers to replant their fields. Financial constraints are preventing many villagers from accessing seeds, exacerbating the situation.
The World Food Programme (WFP) has indicated that a weak La Niña phase predicted for later in 2024 may improve rainfall prospects, though uncertainties remain. Recent short-term forecasts suggest drier conditions in the immediate future, highlighting the need for vigilance in monitoring the agricultural landscape.
Maize, a staple food in Zimbabwe, is expected to remain scarce, driving prices up significantly. While unrefined maize meal is available in about 95% of rural and urban markets, maize grain itself is difficult to find.
The FAO reported a slight increase in international food prices, marking the largest month-on-month rise since April 2024.
According to the Famine Early Warning System Network (FewsNet), the country will likely experience crisis-level food insecurity (Phase 3) from October 2024 to March 2025, coinciding with the pre-harvest and peak lean seasons.
Some improvement in food security is anticipated during the harvest period in April or May, shifting conditions to Stressed (IPC Phase 2) in certain regions.
The government has labeled the current drought as an anomaly, with Minister Anxious Masuka stating it is the worst since independence.
The government is currently supporting 12.74 million people, approximately 83.4% of the population, as Zimbabwe continues to grapple with the challenges posed by El Niño conditions this agricultural season.
-NewsDay
