Zimbabwe has stepped up preparations for the 2026/27 farming season after Cabinet approved an updated Summer Plan that integrates a drought mitigation strategy in response to forecasts of a super El Niño and ongoing global supply chain disruptions.
The plan comes as authorities seek to avoid a repeat of the devastating drought that affected agricultural production and livelihoods in recent years. Government has identified six priority areas, including strengthening the Strategic Grain Reserve, promoting climate-smart agriculture, improving financing, protecting livestock, enhancing imports and strengthening early warning systems.
Although cereal production is projected at 1.6 million tonnes, national requirements are estimated at 2.27 million tonnes, leaving a shortfall that will be covered through strategic grain purchases and imports. To boost food security, Government aims to build a 600 000-tonne Strategic Grain Reserve by October 2027, supported by newly introduced AI-powered grain storage facilities.
The Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme remains a cornerstone of the country’s climate resilience efforts. More than 7.6 million plots have already been established, representing nearly half of the 16 million plots targeted for the season.
Government is also accelerating irrigation development, with over 112 000 hectares identified for maize production under irrigation as part of efforts to reduce dependence on rainfall.
To ensure adequate supplies of key farming inputs, duty-free importation of fertilisers will be permitted amid concerns over rising prices and possible shortages. The extension of duty-free imports for basic commodities is also expected to cushion households from inflationary pressures.
In the livestock sector, authorities estimate that more than two million cattle could be affected by drought conditions in 2027. As a result, the expansion of Ward Drought Mitigation Centres will continue across rural communities, providing feeding, dipping and marketing services while promoting more drought-resilient enterprises such as goat production, poultry and fisheries.
The latest strategy reflects a growing focus on building resilience in agriculture and safeguarding national food security against climate risks and global economic uncertainties.
