Dry spell threatens Zim livelihoods
In parts of the southern and northern regions, some farmers are close to completely writing-off the season.
By Farai Mabeza
THE poor rainfall across the country is expected to affect the availability of seasonal green crops for consumption, as well as on-farm casual labour opportunities, rates and other livelihood sources, the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWSNET) has reported.
In its January report, FEWSNET said erratic rainfall and dry conditions had persisted across most parts of the country, and every province had received below-average and poorly distributed rainfall.
“The high likelihood of below-average rains for the remainder of the season is likely to significantly reduce crop yields and harvests across
most parts of the country,” FEWSNET said.
The 2017/2018 agriculture season crop is in danger of becoming a total write off in many areas following a prolonged dry spell.
“In parts of the southern and northern regions, some farmers are close to completely writing-off the season. There has been little ground water recharge and surface water collection in most areas, resulting in poor water availability and access,” FEWSNET said.
Minimal food security needs are expected to continue in most northern and high crop-producing areas through March. However, expected below average harvests in April/May will result in stressed levels for some households.
In contrast, typical cereal-deficit areas in the southern, western, and extreme northern regions are currently stressed and in crisis due to depleted own-produced food stocks, constrained livelihoods, and reduced household incomes.
Ongoing humanitarian assistance in some of these areas will likely improve the situation through March. However, during the April/May harvest period, and in the absence of humanitarian assistance, crisis levels are expected for some households because of the anticipated poor harvests.
In December the average price for maize grain ($0,31/kg) across FEWSNET sentinel markets remained relatively stable.
In comparison to last year’s price, maize grain was 27 percent lower, and 21 percent below the five-year average. However, as abnormally dry conditions continue, local farmers and traders are more likely to withhold grain, forcing traders to source maize from relatively distant supply areas. Increases in grain prices were already recorded during the first half of January. Still, factors like the influence of the national liquidity challenges and poor demand due to constrained livelihoods for poor households will contribute to below-average grain prices during the peak lean season of February-March.
Regional rainfall during the current rainfall season has been mixed.
A few countries have received average to above average cumulative rainfall, while most countries’ cumulative rainfall has been below-average and erratic.
Last year was recorded as the country’s best agricultural season in many years when Zimbabwe had some of its highest rainfall since independence in 1980.