The rains are expected to be better in Zimbabwe and across the region this season, but many families may still not afford to plant crops, according to a new report.
Regional climate experts last month forecast normal to above-normal rainfall for the bulk of the SADC region this year, including Zimbabwe. This would be a relief after this year’s devastating drought.
However, the drought has decimated incomes and will leave many farmers unable to afford inputs or labour, according to USAID’s monitoring agency, the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FewsNet). The long-term impacts of El Niño will persist during the October 2024-March 2025 main agricultural season, FewsNet forecasts.
“Labour demand associated with land preparation and planting is expected to be below normal due to low liquidity and a lack of in-kind payment options among middle and better-off households, who had a significant reduction in revenue from the 2023/24 harvest and typically hire poor households as labourers,” says FewsNet.
“Most poor households also typically rely on income from casual labour and petty trade, but increased competition and reduced demand due to lower-than-normal liquidity among middle and better-off households will likely also limit households’ earnings.”
In Zimbabwe, inflation is driving up prices of seed and fertiliser, while inputs costs are also rising. In the first quarter of 2024, Zimplow suffered a 24% drop in sales at Mealie Brand, the unit that sells farm implements. Maize seed purchases from Seed Co, the country’s biggest seed supplier, fell by 27% last year due to the drought. The company expects recovery this year due to better forecasts, but sees remaining risks from power cuts and inflation.
