Summer season crops: A mixed bag with glimmers of hope
ZIMBABWE’S ambitious plan to transform its agriculture sector faces challenges this season due to erratic weather patterns and lingering consumer preferences. While the country aims to become a US$13,75 billion agriculture powerhouse by 2025, the 2023/24 summer cropping season presents a mixed picture, with bright spots emerging from a backdrop of uncertainty.
Challenges posed by El Niño and consumption patterns
Authorities say a prolonged dry spell lasting more than 28 days has negatively impacted crops in various Zimbabwe regions with certain crops temporarily wilting, while others are showing signs of permanent wilting.
The crop condition under Pfumvudza/ Intwasa condition is fair to good, and farmers anticipate higher yields than those under conventional tillage, according to the 2023/24 Pre-harvest Crops, Livestock and Fisheries Assessment Report (The Report) released by the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development.
The assessment was conducted between, January 21-27, 2024.
The 2023/24 season has been characterised by erratic rainfall patterns, particularly during the crucial planting window. El Nino’s hot and dry conditions significantly impacted Matabeleland North and South, Masvingo, Midlands, Manicaland and Mashonaland East provinces, marking the driest start in four decades, reads The Report in part.
This delayed planting and reduced the overall area cultivated.
Despite these setbacks, the national planting target for maize was 97 percent achieved, with 1,7 million hectares planted.
“Cumulatively, the maize and traditional grains was 99,6 percent of the target, some 2 349 921 ha,” reads The Report in part.
However, this represents a 12 percent decline compared to the previous season. This shortfall, coupled with potential panic buying and hoarding, could lead to significant price increases for cereals, reads The Report in part.
Consumption habits and changing preferences
Zimbabwe’s annual maize consumption sits at a staggering 2,2 million tonnes, with more than half (1,8 million) designated for human consumption. This highlights the nation’s dependence on maize as a primary source of sustenance. However, there’s a shift in dietary patterns, with rice consumption rising from 10 000 tonnes a decade ago to over 120 000 tonnes annually, mirroring a global trend.
Potato consumption is also on the rise, with an estimated annual production exceeding 500 000 tonnes. These trends highlight the need for diversification and strategic investment in alternative food sources.
Government intervention and a glimmer of hope
The Government has implemented various schemes to support farmers, with a particular focus on small-scale producers.
The Presidential Input Support Scheme, targeting smallholder farmers under the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme, has ensured prompt distribution of fertilisers and seeds.
Additionally, the Government revised the physical strategic grain reserve from 750 000 tonnes to 1,5 million tonnes, aiming to achieve self-sufficiency over the next three seasons.
The area under traditional grains like sorghum and millet has witnessed a significant increase, reflecting the government’s push for agroecological matching.
Sorghum cultivation increased by 27 percent, and pearl millet by 7,5 percent, indicating a shift towards climate-resilient crops. Notably, the condition of traditional grains is much better than maize, showcasing progress in tackling “policy-induced drought” and encouraging farmers to adapt to their specific regions.
“Progress was made in reducing “household induced drought”, a phenomenon where households still prefer maize in agro-ecological regions 4 and 5.
A combination of “household-induced drought” and “weather-induced drought” has the deadly effect of wiping crops, leading to food dependence, hence the government ‘s modification of social welfare access to include “climate-proof interventions by farmers”, reads part of the report.
A season of uncertainty with hope for the future
The 2023/24 summer cropping season presents a complex picture for Zimbabwe. While erratic weather patterns and consumer preferences for maize pose challenges, government interventions and a shift towards traditional grains offer a glimmer of hope.
The success of the season hinges on managing potential food shortages and encouraging a long-term diversification of crops. Embracing climate-resilient options and promoting alternative food sources like rice and potatoes will be crucial for Zimbabwe’s agricultural future and food security.