Zimbabwe is grappling with a deepening food crisis as the lean season intensifies, with widespread food insecurity now affecting much of the country, according to a new report by the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET).
The report warns that Crisis (IPC Phase 3) food insecurity levels are prevalent across the country, with many households struggling to access basic necessities due to rising prices and significantly below-average incomes.
“Crisis (IPC Phase 3) outcomes are now widespread throughout the country, including in the few areas that had been maintaining Stressed (IPC Phase 2) outcomes during the post-harvest period following significantly below-average 2023/24 crop harvests,” the report states.
The crisis has been exacerbated by soaring inflation and currency instability.
In late September, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe devalued the Zimbabwean dollar by nearly 43%, moving the official exchange rate from 14 ZWG to 1 USD to 24.4 ZWG to 1 USD.
This devaluation followed significant parallel market exchange rate increases, which had led to sharp price hikes in goods and services, particularly food.
“These price increases are increasingly constraining access to markets, especially for poorer households,” the report notes.
In addition to the economic challenges, water shortages are compounding the crisis, particularly in low-rainfall regions.
The report highlights that rivers, streams, and dams are drying up, while deep well and borehole levels are receding.
Many households are now traveling longer distances to access water for both domestic and livestock purposes, further straining their already limited resources.
“Water challenges are persisting… with some households resorting to dry riverbed sand-scooping for water,” FEWS NET reports.
The deteriorating water situation is also having a devastating impact on livestock, with over 3,500 cattle deaths reported in Matabeleland South Province between June and September 2024.
The report warns that more than half of the cattle herd in the province is at risk of dying as poor pasture conditions and water shortages persist.
Looking ahead, FEWS NET predicts that the food crisis will continue until the next main harvest in early 2025.
Meanwhile, the report indicates that there is some hope on the horizon, as the upcoming agricultural season is expected to receive at least average rainfall.
In preparation, farmers across the country have started planting under the government’s Pfumvudza/Intwasa conservation agriculture program.
