Story by Effort Magoso
As the first rains of the 2024-25 season sweep across Zimbabwe, farmers find themselves ensnared in a tempest of hope and fear.
With every droplet, many stand poised, clutching their precious seeds—tiny vessels of hope—ready to plunge them into the embrace of the revitalised earth.
The delicate dance of rain and seed symbolise not just the end of despair, but the blossoming of dreams.
Will this rainy season be the balm they so desperately seek?
The memory of last season looms like a specter—a catastrophe of unimaginable scale. Drought ravaged the land, inflicting devastating crop failures and heartbreaking livestock losses.
The toll was profound.
Farmers stood powerless, their fields wilting under the relentless sun.
It was reminiscent of the catastrophic famine of 1992—one of the worst droughts in living memory of most Zimbabweans.
The 2023-24 season was officially declared a State of Disaster, not only in Zimbabwe but also in neighbouring Zambia and Malawi. Driven by the El Niño phenomenon, this drought wreaked havoc on agriculture.
Zimbabwe was left reeling, enduring prolonged dry spells and below-average rainfall that obliterated crop yields, particularly for smallholder farmers reliant on rain-fed agriculture.
According to the Zimbabwe Vulnerability Assessment Committee (ZIMVAC), a staggering 3 million people teeter on the brink of food insecurity between The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Climate and Rural Development disclosed that over 60% of farmers in the southern regions harvested entirely nothing.
The livestock sector suffered a grievous blow, with an estimated 200,000 cattle succumbing to the twin horrors of starvation and dehydration.
This crisis not only laid bare the fragility of agricultural systems but also underscored an urgent call for adaptive strategies.
Yet amid the ashes of despair, a flicker of hope ignited among those who embraced Pfumvudza—climate-proof agriculture.
Farmers who adopted this innovative conservation technique salvaged something. In Masvingo, some reported maize yields of up to 1.5 tons per hectare, even in the face of punishing drought. Meanwhile, their neighbours’ fields lay desolate, mere remnants of what could have been. This illuminates the promise of climate-smart practices.
As Zimbabwe transitions from the clutches of El Niño to the embrace of La Niña, farmers grapple with a duality of optimism and unease.
La Niña means Little Girl in Spanish.
It is part of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle, which includes both El Niño (warming of ocean waters) and neutral phases.
La Niña influences weather patterns across the globe and its effects on Southern Africa can be significant.
Generally, La Niña often leads to above-average rainfall in many parts of Southern Africa, particularly during the summer months (November to March).
Chief Meteorologist in the Meteorological Services Department James Ngoma says Zimbabwe will receive normal to above-average rainfall during the summer season.
The tantalising promise of increased rainfall is news that resonates like a sweet symphony in the ears of many farmers. If the weather holds, Zimbabwe could see a significant increase in food production, enhancing food security and bolstering livelihoods.
Small holder farmers must do their part, prepare the land well, acquire inputs on time, practice good farming methods and leave the rest to nature.
While increased rainfall can be beneficial, it also poses risks of flooding, particularly in low-lying areas.
This can damage infrastructure, displace communities and lead to crop losses. Policymakers, farmers and communities must work together to harness the opportunities presented by La Niña while addressing the challenges it brings, ensuring resilience in the face of climate variability.
In this evolving climate landscape, the integration of scientifically proven methods has become imperative.
The Government of Zimbabwe has committed to employing strategic agricultural planning to ensure bountiful yields.
Professor Obert Jiri, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development said, “We are targeting agro-ecological tailoring and matching to ensure that what farmers grow is dictated by their region. In natural regions 1, 2, and 3, maize should dominate; while in regions 4 and 5, traditional grains are encouraged, as we know they thrive there.”
Science and technology are emerging as crucial allies for farmers navigating the turbulent waters of climate change. For commercial farmers, drones and satellite imagery facilitate monitoring crop health and soil conditions, enabling timely interventions.
Moreover, precision agriculture—leveraging data analytics to optimise management at the field level—promises to maximise yields while conserving resources.
This technology proves invaluable in managing the unpredictability of La Niña, empowering farmers to respond swiftly to shifting conditions.
The road ahead is fraught with challenges, yet with unwavering commitment, science, technology and collaborative spirit, Zimbabwean farmers stand poised to navigate the ever-shifting landscape of climate change.
As the rains begin to fall, they carry with them not just moisture, but the potential for renewal—a precious opportunity to rebuild, adapt, and thrive in a world where the whims of climate may dictate the very rhythms of agriculture.
