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Farmers disagree with the Government on the best strategy to protect their livestock from the negative impact of the El Nino-induced drought that threatens to decimate the national herd.
In the wake of the drought, which has been declared a national disaster, some farmers have been destocking, to effectively manage herd numbers during dry years when there is less feed available.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Resettlement Minister Anxious Jongwe Masuka recently advised farmers against destocking.
However, the deputy president of the Brahman Breeders Society of Zimbabwe, Mcebisi Ndlovu, said that farmers should start selling their cattle immediately.
According to <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/govt-livestock-farmers-clash-over-drought-destocking/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>, Ndlovu warned that waiting could result in significant financial losses due to decreased cattle weight and escalating prices for beef and stock feed.
He also cautioned livestock farmers against placing their hope in the rains received across the country recently, saying they are similar to those typically received around November.
This type of rain can cause the grass to rot, worsening the current drought situation, according to Ndlovu.
Responding to parliamentarians recently, Minister Masuka warned farmers that destocking may negatively affect the country’s herd. He said:
<blockquote>
For instance in Matabeleland South, the cattle sold from January to February period, we observed that the quantities have gone up by 43%.
So, the majority are selling their cattle. As the relevant Ministry, we urge farmers to stop rushing to sell their livestock.
</blockquote>
Masuka said where farmers believe destocking has to be adopted, only the old range of the livestock should be sold while the young heifers and other young cows should be kept for artificial insemination.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Govt, Livestock Farmers Disagree On Response To Drought

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has officially declared the El Niño-induced drought, which severely impacted the 2023/24 summer cropping season, as a state of disaster. This declaration aims to mobilize resources and prevent the looming threat of widespread starvation.
In a national address delivered from the State House on Wednesday morning, President Mnangagwa invoked Section 27, Subsection 1 of the Civil Protection Act (Chapter 10:6) to address the crisis effectively. He said:
<blockquote>
The country had put a total of 1 728 897 hectares under maize crops and other cereals. Ordinary this could have guaranteed a mouthful harvest in our country. Further worsening the season characterised by poor rainfall was the outbreak of four army worms across the country.
The Zimbabwe livelihoods assessment committee report for 2023 revealed that approximately 2.7 million people were expected to be food insecure from April until the end of March 2024.
While we have been able to far to fend for this food insecure population, the El Nino drought has now compounded our current situation with food insecurity levels going beyond the projected 2.7 million people.
Following our agricultural and food systems strategies, we are ordinarily a nation capable of feeding ourselves with strategic grain reserve of 189 568 tonnes of cereals. Our nation faces a food deficit of nearly 680 000 tonnes of grain. This deficit will be bridged by imports…
To that end, I do hereby declare a nationwide State of Disaster, due to the El Nino- induced drought. Accordingly, I now invoke Section 27, Subsection 1 of the Civil Protection Act (Chapter10:6), which provides that: ‘if any time it appears to the President that any disaster of such a nature and extent that extra ordinary measures are necessary to assist and protect the persons affected or likely to be affected by the disaster in any area of the country, the Presidency may, in such a manner as he considers fit, declare that, with effect from a date specified by him , a state of disaster exists within an area or areas specified by him in the Declaration’ President.
</blockquote>
Last week, the government established a purchasing price of US$390 per tonne for surplus grains during the 2022/23 agricultural season, concurrently launching a grain mop-up initiative to strengthen grain reserves.
Meanwhile, Zambia and Malawi recently declared the drought as a national disaster. President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia said the country’s agricultural sector has been devastated leaving more than one million families requiring food aid. He said the drought had already affected 84 of the country’s 116 districts.
Malawi declared a state of disaster over drought in 23 of its 28 districts. Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera also revealed that the country needed more than US$200 million in humanitarian assistance.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

President Mnangagwa Declares El Niño-Induced Drought A State Of Disaster

The cotton yield in Zimbabwe for the 2023/24 season is anticipated to be the worst in years, primarily due to the devastating impact of the El Niño-induced drought.
In the previous season, the country managed to produce approximately 90,000 tonnes of cotton. This production was mainly carried out by small-scale farmers who participated in the Government’s free input scheme.
While farmer organizations have not yet finalized their production estimates, they anticipate a significantly reduced harvest for the current year.
Cotton farmers in the cotton belt, specifically in Sanyati (Mashonaland West Province) and Gokwe North and South Districts (Midlands Province), have expressed their concern, expecting a record low cotton yield.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/cotton-industry-faces-worst-season-in-years/">The Herald</a>, Tavaziva Munherendi, the leader of farmers in the Gambiza-Machipisa area of Sanyati said:
<blockquote>
This drought is a devastating blow. My expected yield is barely a quarter of what I harvested last year. Some farmers may not even harvest anything at all.
</blockquote>
Elisha Dube, a farmer from the same area, depicted a sombre scene, projecting a meagre yield of only three bales this season—a staggering decline compared to the 27 he reaped last year.
Zimbabwe Farmers Union’s national cotton chairman, Ishmael Pande, also a farmer in Sanyati, pointed out that most of the region last received rains in early January. He said:
<blockquote>
We put in a lot of effort to establish the crop, hoping for a good harvest to benefit the economy and create jobs along the cotton value chain.
Unfortunately, the prolonged dry spell severely impacted the crop. This is a double blow since cotton is a crucial cash crop that thrives in regions like Sanyati.
</blockquote>
Stanford Kambanje, who farms in the Chinyenyetu area of Gokwe North, said the area last received rainfall on 19 January and it has been dry ever since.
Last year, Kambanje earned the prestigious Grower of the Year award after a successful harvest of 57 bales. This year, however, the drought has taken a heavy toll, and he will struggle to even reach four bales.
Gokwe is the country’s largest cotton-producing region, accounting for about 30 per cent of the national output.
Tendai Vherewa from Zhomba, popularly known as Chitekete said she does not expect any yield from the two hectares she planted.
Herdman Siyabuwa Kafunde Simchembo area in Zhomba declared he has never witnessed a drought this severe in his entire lifetime.
Cotton is a major export crop for Zimbabwe. A reduced yield means fewer cotton exports, leading to a decline in export revenue for the country. This can strain foreign exchange reserves and affect the balance of trade.
Moreover, small-scale cotton farmers heavily rely on cotton production for their livelihoods. A poor yield translates to lower income for these farmers. Reduced income can impact their ability to meet basic needs, invest in their farms, and support their families.
Also, companies that supply seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and other inputs to cotton farmers may experience reduced demand. This can affect their revenue and profitability.
The low yields may discourage investment in cotton farming. Investors may shift resources to other crops or sectors, affecting long-term agricultural development.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwean Farmers Anticipate Record-Low Cotton Yields

The Zimbabwean Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, and Rural Development has reported that this year’s maize harvest will be 70% smaller than the previous season due to severe drought damage.
As per the Ministry’s outlook report, Zimbabwe’s maize production is projected to reach approximately 696,116 tonnes, a significant decline from the estimated 2.3 million tonnes for 2023.
 <a href="https://newzwire.live/report-zimbabwe-expects-maize-harvest-to-fall-70-to-lowest-levels-in-nearly-a-decade/">newZWire</a> highlights that this year’s harvest would be the smallest since 2016 when Zimbabwe managed to produce only 512,000 tonnes of maize.
An earlier report by the government last week said maize hectarage fell by 12% this season as farmers planted less. Said the Lands Ministry:
<blockquote>
The Government should aim to close the gap of 318,723 tonnes while the private sector can import as much as they want.
Combining maize, traditional grains and wheat, the strategic grain reserve is 434,293 tonnes excluding the Russia donation to the President of 25,000 tonnes.
</blockquote>
In 2023, Mashonaland West and Mashonaland East produced the most maize. This year, farmers in these two traditionally strong farm provinces were hit by low rainfall. The assessment says the Midlands will have the biggest harvest.
Mash West is projected to produce 290,005 tonnes, down from 523,023 last year. Mash East’s harvest is expected at 225,675 tonnes, from 415,574 tonnes last year.
Midlands will produce 381,056 tonnes, compared to 414,249 tonnes in 2023. The projection for Mashonaland Central is 207,966 tonnes from 342,249 tonnes.
Among the hardest hit provinces is Mat North, where the area planted under maize fell by 30%; the province will produce 95,726 tonnes this year after it performed better than expected last year with 82,739 tonnes.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe’s Maize Harvest To Plummet 70% In Nearly A Decade

The Minister of Justice, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs, Ziyambi Ziyambi, stated that the Government will not hastily declare the El Nino-induced drought a state of disaster.
According to him, the country remains food self-sufficient. During a Senate session on March 14, he outlined mitigation measures, including expanding winter wheat cultivation, utilizing water bodies, drilling boreholes, and providing food relief to vulnerable individuals.
Midlands Senator, Daniel MacKenzie Ncube (ZANU PF), inquired about the Government’s measures to safeguard citizens from potential exploitation during this challenging situation. In response, Ziyambi said (<a href="https://www.zimlive.com/mnangagwa-under-pressure-to-declare-drought-after-national-yield-decimated/">via the Chronicle)</a>:
<blockquote>
As a country, there is no need to panic or to be worried and declare a state of disaster because we have several measures to mitigate the effects.
I am pleased to inform the House that we have several facilities that will help farmers with centre pivots to increase wheat hectarage. Areas where the centre pivot will be placed have already been identified.
We cannot be beggars when we have several water bodies. There is no need to panic, we will be using multifaceted ways to respond to the situation.
As of now, we are still food self-sufficient. We had a good harvest last season, we are providing food aid to those pockets that are insecure.
</blockquote>
Ziyambi said the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) was holding more than 245 000 tonnes of maize from bumper harvests recorded in past years, meaning some households still had grain stocks. He said:
<blockquote>
We are now assessing the projected harvests. What Cabinet has done is to say we have several water bodies, the immediate solution is to put a bigger area under wheat to substitute maize or barter trade.
So at the moment, we are not panicking because we know the measures we have put in place will help and will ensure that even those with an appetite to fleece people, it will not help, we are also drilling boreholes.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development permanent secretary, Obert Jiri, said dry land maize including what was planted under the Pfumvunza scheme and traditional grains are now a complete write-off owing to drought.
Jiri, addressing the Senate thematic committee on peace and security, reported that Zimbabwe anticipates a harvest of 700,000 to 800,000 metric tonnes from all cereals planted during the 2023/24 summer cropping season due to drought. This falls short of the annual national requirement of 1.2 million metric tonnes.
He said The country’s primary reliance is on irrigated crops, which constitute a modest 3 per cent of the total planted crop. Said Jiri:
<blockquote>
The irritated crop is fair to good; we can get five tonnes per hectare. Pfumvunza crop was fairly good but now it’s not anymore. For traditional grains, we are getting a report of a write-off in some areas.
The dry land crop is now a write-off. This is what we are assessing and last time, 60 per cent was stressed. Now we don’t have any.
The only crop that we are basing our hope on is the irrigated crop. We may salvage a few tonnage from traditional grains, a few from Pfumvunza. But we are in a drought situation.
</blockquote>
Jiri told lawmakers that the country expects not more than 800,000 metric tonnes from irrigation schemes and individual farmers who irrigated their grain crops and traditional grains.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe Remains Food Self-Sufficient Despite Drought - Ziyambi

The government has granted permission to companies and individuals to import maize, rice, and cooking oil duty-free with effect from July 2024 to avert looming food shortages emanating from the El Nino-induced drought.
Speaking during a post-Cabinet media briefing on Tuesday, 12 March, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Jenfan Muswere said that among other issues discussed, Cabinet discussed the importance of considering more hectarage for growing rice because of increased rice consumption by the citizens.
He said Cabinet also emphasized the need to support and promote local wheat production to swap wheat for maize to meet maize demand for the nation. Added Muswere:
<blockquote>
The food security strategy is based on the comparative and competitive advantages of wheat this winter.
The consumption of 7.5kg per person per month be used immediately for social welfare and be adjusted after October to 8.5kg per person per month.
The purchase of local grain at an import parity price of US$390 per tonne to mop up excess local grain.
Government has okayed a duty waiver on the importation of rice and potato seed, and the importation of genetically modified maize for stock feed, under strictly supervised milling and distribution.
</blockquote>
The Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Anxious Masuka added that rice and potatoes will be regarded as key staples to ensure national food security.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Govt Okays Duty-free Food Imports, Genetically Modified Maize For Stockfeed

Parts of Southern Africa suffered the driest February in decades that severely affected agriculture, and electricity generation and threatened to push up food prices that were already high.
As reported by <a href="https://techcentral.co.za/southern-africa-driest-february-on-record/241025/">TECHCENTRAL</a>, in February 2024, large parts of Zambia, Botswana and Zimbabwe had the least rainfall — or close to it — since records began in 1981, according to data released by the University of California Santa Barbara’s Climate Hazards Centre.
The centre based its preliminary appraisal mainly on satellite-based rainfall estimates, with a final assessment due this week that will include more rainfall gauge observations.
The dry spell has been blamed on the El Niño weather phenomenon. Scientists have warned that extreme weather events are becoming increasingly frequent and severe because of climate change.
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema recently declared the drought a national disaster.
An estimated 45% of planted areas in Zambia have been destroyed just as the staple maize crop should be maturing.
In Zimbabwe, some farmers have given up trying to grow and harvest their crops, allowing cattle to graze on what’s left.
Water flows in the Kariba Dam, which powers turbines that Zimbabwe and Zambia rely on for electricity, are less than what they were during the same period last year.
In Botswana, the Botswana Meteorological Services (BMS) said that the vast majority of the country was receiving significantly less rain than normal.
Farmers who receive government support planted less than half the area in the current season than they did in the previous one.
In Namibia, water levels in dams are already at dangerously low levels and the main reservoir supplying the capital, Windhoek, is only 11% full and dropping.
In a statement issued on 05 March, the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) said the current El Nino is one of the five strongest ever recorded and has contributed to drier and warmer conditions in parts of Southern Africa.
The WMO said temperatures were 4-5ºC higher than the February average.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

A Large Part Of Southern Africa Just Had Its Driest February On Record

With a food crisis looming in the country due to the current drought, CCC MPs have expressed fears that opposition supporters may be sidelined when the government commences food distribution in the countryside.
The Government last week said that 26 per cent of the country’s population is food insecure for the January to March period.
Matabeleland North is the most affected province with 42 per cent of its 830,000 population in urgent need of aid, compared to just 12 per cent in Mashonaland West province.
Cabinet Ministers have said food distribution is already underway in rural provinces and deny political interference in the process.
However, speaking in Parliament on Wednesday, Chikanga MP Lynette Karenyi (CCC) expressed concerns that the government’s food distribution programme could be manipulated to benefit only ZANU PF supporters. She said, as quoted by <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/mps-sound-alarm-over-partisan-food-distribution-level-of-grain-reserves/">ZimLive</a>:
<blockquote>
I want to find out from the Minister, what the policy is to ensure that people who are conducting the registration process are not going to use political party lines.
Although the law says the village heads are supposed to be apolitical, people who may be linked to the party I belong to will not be registered.
What is the policy about ensuring that the registration is not politicised?
</blockquote>
In response, the Deputy Minister of Public Service and Social Welfare, Mercy Dinha maintained that “no one is supposed to starve.” She said:
<blockquote>
We distribute, we don’t consider the political affiliation of a recipient. We distribute to people belonging to other parties, food is going to those areas because the president is saying no one is supposed to starve.
It means everyone, not ZANU PF members only. So, when we are distributing, we are giving to everyone.
We are leaving no one. It is going to go to all corners of the country.
</blockquote>
Mbizo MP Corban Madzivanyika (CCC) appeared to challenge the government’s claim that there is enough grain in stock to meet national needs. Said Madzivanyika:
<blockquote>
Just last week or two weeks ago, the parliamentary portfolio committee on lands committee on lands, agriculture, fisheries, water and rural development had a meeting with the Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe which indicated that they have enough grain reserves.
A week later, the committee travelled across the country, in particular to Norton and Banket, but then we realised that there were no grain reserves in those areas.
</blockquote>
Public Service and Social Welfare Minister Paul Mavima denied claims the country’s grain reserves were empty saying: “A person cannot conclude after visiting two storage facilities and then conclude for the whole country”.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Opposition MPs Concerned Over Partisan Distribution Of Drought Relief, Level Of Grain Reserves

The opposition ZAPU party has urged the government to declare the 2023/2024 farming season a national disaster due to the severe drought prevailing across the whole country.
ZAPU National Organiser, Ndodana Moyo, told <a href="https://cite.org.zw/zapu-declare-farming-season-a-national-disaster/">CITE</a> that thousands of farmers have already lost their crops and livestock, adding that declaring the drought a national disaster will ensure that people receive aid on time. Said Moyo:
<blockquote>
I have been travelling to many rural areas and see that many families if not thousands, have lost their crops to the heat and lack of rain, not to mention the effect of drought on livestock as well. This means more people will face starvation.
I, therefore, implore the Government to declare this farming season a national disaster so that people receive the necessary interventions and aid on time.
If there is no or little rain, it’s obvious people will lose their crops, vegetables, and livestock.
This is why, as ZAPU, we are saying the farming season should be declared a national disaster because it’s affected by drought.
</blockquote>
ZAPU’s call comes after the President of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema, declared the ongoing drought in that country a national disaster and emergency.
Hichilema said Zambia had gone without rain for five weeks at a time when farmers needed it the most.
Meanwhile, in Zimbabwe, some areas last received effective rainfall in the second week of January.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Declare Farming Season A National Disaster - ZAPU

The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) says tobacco output is predicted to fall to 265 million kilogrammes this season, from 294 million kilogrammes recorded the previous season.
Speaking to the <a href="https://newsday.co.zw/theindependent/local-news/article/200024083/drought-hits-tobacco-output">Zimbabwe Independent</a>, TIMB public affairs officer Chelesani Tsarwe, also said the number of tobacco growers had dropped as a result of the prevailing drought. She said:
<blockquote>
From the crop assessment exercise undertaken, which is a national tobacco forecasting exercise which helps us determine the national yield and production, the board anticipates a yield of 265 million kilogrammes.
(This) is a consequence of the El Niño conditions witnessed in southern Africa starting late last year.
</blockquote>
Tsarwe said farmers will receive 75% of their payments in US dollars this season, with the remainder payable in Zimbabwe dollars. She said:
<blockquote>
When it comes to payment of growers, the board is guided by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ).
For this season, RBZ advised that the foreign currency retention for tobacco growers for the 2023/24 tobacco marketing season was standardised at 75% in line with the retention level for other market players.
Given that the 25% to be paid to tobacco growers in local currency is applied to the net sales proceeds after the settlement of all the loans, levies and other marketing costs, the net effect of this arrangement is that the tobacco grower shall effectively have a foreign currency retention which is higher than 75%.
</blockquote>
Tobacco is one of Zimbabwe’s biggest foreign currency earners. This year’s marketing season will commence on Wednesday next week.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Drought: Tobacco Output Anticipated To Fall

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said he had discussions with Zambian leader Presiden Hakainde Hichilema on Monday morning to explore collaborative ways to deal with the effects of El Nino-induced drought, reported the <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/president-engages-regional-peers-over-drought/">Chronicle</a>.
Hichilema has since declared Zambia’s drought a state of disaster and emergency, saying the country is likely to face a food crisis and electricity generation curtailments.
Speaking to journalists after officiating at the 56th United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) Conference of Finance Ministers in Victoria Falls yesterday, Mnangagwa said he spoke with Hichilema and another regional leader over the drought issue. He said:
<blockquote>
Currently, there is this eminent El Nino drought, which is affecting Southern Africa. I am in constant contact with my colleagues in Southern Africa and we believe that it is necessary to introduce models of agriculture that mitigate against such events as this drought.
This morning, I was discussing with one or two regional Heads of State. I felt that we need to promote irrigation in our region so that whether there is drought or no drought, at least we have irrigation, and enough hectarage to give food security to our respective countries.
I was discussing with my dear brother HH (President Hakainde Hichilema) this morning and it’s not prudent to divulge that two Heads of State will be discussing an issue until certain things have happened, then you would know that we have been discussing.
</blockquote>
The southern African region is facing one of the worst droughts due to the El Nino weather pattern.
The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) predicted normal to below-normal rainfall for the 2023-2024 farming season.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Mnangagwa Engages Hichilema Over Drought

The bulk of the 2023/2024 maize crop is a complete write-off following below-average rainfall for much of the rainy season, agriculture sector officials have revealed.
Prince Kuipa, field operations director at the Zimbabwe Farmers Union (ZFU) told the <a href="https://newsday.co.zw/theindependent/local-news/article/200023786/maize-crop-a-total-write-off">Zimbabwe Independent</a> that the bulk of the crop across the country is moisture-stressed. Said Kuipa:
<blockquote>
Information coming from our farmers shows that most of the grain has been affected and farmers are considering the maize crop as a write-off.
It is a disaster year. The crop is moisture-stressed. Maybe the government is going to announce a disaster situation so they can mobilise grain and arrange donor funding.
Without anything coming from farms, the government should kick in by importing grain. The private sector can also play its role to make sure that no one dies of hunger.
</blockquote>
The chief executive officer at the State-run Agriculture Rural Development Authority (ARDA) said its crops have also been affected by the drought. He said:
<blockquote>
The 2023/2024 agricultural season has been characterised by below-average rainfall brought about by El Nino.
This has not spared cropping programmes managed by ARDA.
However, we have put in place mitigatory measures to counter the effects and salvage our crop.
</blockquote>
Reports indicate that large swathes of maize crops had wilted and most of the affected crop would not recover even if rains returned as it had reached the permanent wilting point.
In Mashonaland West Province, some farmers had by last week freed livestock to feed on the wilting maize crop, according to some reports.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Maize Crop A Total Write-off - Farmers

President Emmerson Mnangagwa says the government has put in place adequate measures to guarantee food for all communities to ensure that no one dies from hunger.
Zimbabwe is experiencing one of its driest summers as crops wilt under the scorching heat coupled with the rapid drying of water sources.
Speaking at the handover of 100 vehicles to chiefs at the Harare International Conference Centre on Thursday, 29 February, Mnangagwa urged traditional leaders to tell their subjects that they will not starve. He said:
<blockquote>
Given the dire effects of the El Niño weather phenomenon, I want to assure the nation that measures have been put in place to guarantee adequate food for all communities of our country. I appeal to you as traditional leaders to go and reassure our people that no communities will starve.
As chiefs, you are all-embracive in the manner you deal with your people and I urge this spirit to continue, while the identification of vulnerable households, in particular, widows and child-headed families, should be undertaken timely.
</blockquote>
In January this year, the Government said that it would distribute food aid to 2.7 million people who are food insecure from January up to March 2024.
That same month, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) said it would provide US$11.27 million in aid to the World Food Programme (WFP) to assist Zimbabwe in mitigating the challenges posed by the El Nino-induced drought.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

No One Will Die Of Hunger - Mnangagwa

Zimbabwe Farmers’ Union (ZFU) president Abdul Nyathi, has urged the government to revise its 2024 national budget to ensure that more funds are redirected toward buying food.
The call comes amid the prevailing El Nino-induced drought which has resulted in the wilting of crops. This is expected to significantly affect crop yields across the country.
Speaking in an interview with <a href="https://english.news.cn/africa/20240227/0c7403b1458b425da2b193fb6148db42/c.html">Xinhua</a>, Nyathi said global food prices will likely increase if there is a high demand for grain from southern African nations which are reeling under the drought. He said:
<blockquote>
The government should now revisit the budget and redirect it to food procurement and scout where we can get the food.
That should be done as soon as possible because prices will increase internationally as soon as the sellers have concluded that we don’t have anything to eat.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe received relatively good rains at the beginning of January following a dry spell late in 2023.
Farmers whose crops had died due to moisture stress during the prolonged dry spell replanted their fields.
However, the farmers lost out again after the rains stopped toward the end of January, resulting in the second batch of crops wilting again.
Nyathi said although the quality of livestock was still generally good, there was a danger the situation would deteriorate if the drought persisted. He said:
<blockquote>
The state of livestock is still good, but if rains don’t come by April or May, the situation will deteriorate.
We are thinking about destocking, and we are also thinking about supplementary feeding, which also comes from government coffers.
</blockquote>
According to the United Nations World Food Programme, about 2.7 million Zimbabweans will need food during the lean season between October 2023 and March 2024.
But as drought ravages the country, many more will need food assistance as the year progresses.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

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Elephants and other wildlife are dying in Zimbabwe, as an extended dry season has reduced once abundant water holes, to muddy puddles, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) has said.
The 2023/24 rainy seaseon commenced very late due to the ongoing El Niño phenomenon, and dozens of elephants have already died in Hwange National Park, the county’s largest protected area home to about 45 000 elephants.
At least 100 elephants are already reported dead due to lack of water.
Phillip Kuvawoga, the Landscape Programme Director of the International Fund for Animal Welfare, said:
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Elephants and other wildlife species will face a crisis if the rains don’t come soon. In 2019, over 200 elephants died in Zimbabwe due to severe drought; this phenomenon is recurring.
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Despite having 104 solar-powered boreholes, park authorities say it isn’t enough and no match for extreme temperatures drying up existing waterholes, forcing wildlife to walk long distances searching for food and water.
Water-dependent mammals like elephants are among the most affected.
News of the tragedy comes during COP28, while global leaders gather to determine ambition and responsibilities and identify and assess climate measures at the global climate change conference in Dubai.
IFAW’s agenda at COP28 advocates for wildlife conservation as a nature-based solution to tackling climate change. Said Kuvawoga:
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Wild animals protect the carbon already stored in nature, prevent it from being released into the atmosphere, and help nature soak up and store even more carbon.
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The devastating impact of climate change on wildlife and humans calls for an integrated and holistic approach to support climate-resilient landscapes and communities. Added Kuvawoga:
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The anticipated deaths of elephants and other species, such as we are seeing in Zimbabwe right now, must be seen as a symptom of deep-seated and complex challenges affecting the region’s natural resources conservation, aggravated by climate change.
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More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

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