Zimbabwe, a nation where the rhythm of life is intrinsically linked to the agricultural seasons, stands precariously on the frontlines of a global crisis: the escalating impact of disasters on agriculture and food security.
From the parched earth cracked by relentless droughts to fields submerged under unforgiving floods, the spectre of disaster looms large over the country's productive capacity and the well-being of its people.
The consequences are stark: dwindling harvests, decimated livestock, disrupted livelihoods, and a deepening chasm of food insecurity.
However, this narrative of vulnerability need not be one of inevitable decline. By recognising the profound impact of these shocks and strategically investing in resilience-building measures, Zimbabwe can forge a path towards mitigating losses and safeguarding the fundamental right to food for all its citizens.
The impact of disasters on Zimbabwe's agricultural sector is multifaceted and devastating. Droughts, the most recurrent and pervasive threat, cast a long shadow over the nation's food production.
The El Niño-induced drought of 2023/24 serves as a stark reminder, with projections indicating a catastrophic contraction of over 17% in the agricultural sector.
This single event translates to widespread crop failure, leaving countless families without their primary source of sustenance and income.
Livestock, equally reliant on dwindling water resources and parched pastures, face starvation and disease, further eroding the asset base of rural communities.
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Beyond droughts, other disasters inflict their own unique brand of destruction. Floods, often following periods of intense rainfall, inundate fertile agricultural land, washing away crops and drowning livestock.
The disruption of transportation networks and damage to storage facilities further exacerbate the crisis, hindering the movement of food and inflating prices, as highlighted in various reports by organizations like the World Bank.
Extreme weather events, such as violent hailstorms, can inflict localized but significant damage to crops and infrastructure, adding another layer of vulnerability to an already fragile system.
Moreover, the changing climate often creates conditions conducive to pest and disease outbreaks, adding another layer of complexity to agricultural management and potentially wiping out entire harvests.
The human cost of these agricultural disasters is immense. For a significant portion of Zimbabwe's population, agriculture is not merely an economic activity but a way of life.
The loss of crops and livestock translates directly into a loss of livelihoods, pushing already vulnerable households deeper into poverty. Traditional coping mechanisms, often reliant on surplus production and community support, are strained to their breaking point.
As the UNDP has noted, the increasing frequency and intensity of droughts in Zimbabwe over the past three decades have already led to critical food shortages, underscoring the urgent need for proactive interventions.
The consequences extend beyond immediate hunger, contributing to malnutrition, particularly among children, and undermining long-term human capital development.
The economic ramifications are equally severe. Agriculture remains a significant contributor to Zimbabwe's gross domestic product and a major source of employment. The volatility introduced by disaster-related shocks directly impacts economic growth and stability.
The Zimbabwe Agriculture Sector Disaster Risk Assessment underscores this interconnectedness, emphasising how disruptions in agricultural supply chains ripple through the entire economy.
The inability of the agricultural sector to consistently produce adequate food supplies also necessitates costly imports, further straining the nation's limited financial resources.
However, the narrative of disaster-induced devastation does not have to be a permanent one. Investing in resilience offers a pathway to mitigate these losses and build a more secure future for Zimbabwe's agricultural sector and its people. A multi-pronged approach, encompassing a range of innovative and sustainable solutions, is essential.
At the forefront of this approach lies the adoption and widespread implementation of Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) practices.
These techniques, designed to enhance productivity while adapting to climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, offer a powerful tool for building resilience.
Drought-resistant crop varieties, meticulously developed through research and adapted to local conditions, can provide farmers with a buffer against water scarcity. Efficient water management techniques, such as conservation agriculture, which minimizes soil disturbance and maximises water retention, and rainwater harvesting, which captures and stores precious rainfall, can significantly improve water use efficiency.
Agroforestry, the integration of trees and shrubs into farming systems, can enhance soil health, provide shade, and diversify income sources.
The success of initiatives like the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme demonstrates the potential of such localised, sustainable practices to improve yields, even in drier regions.
Investing in and rehabilitating irrigation infrastructure is another critical component of building resilience.
Reducing reliance on increasingly erratic rainfall patterns through reliable irrigation systems can significantly stabilise agricultural production.
The Zimbabwean government's commitment to expanding irrigable land through the Accelerated Irrigation Rehabilitation and Development Plan is a welcome step in this direction.
However, alongside infrastructure development, promoting efficient water management technologies and practices at the farm level is equally important to ensure sustainable water use.
Strengthening early warning systems and disaster preparedness measures is crucial for minimizing the impact of impending disasters.
Investing in technology for accurate monitoring and forecasting of droughts, floods, and pest outbreaks allows for timely dissemination of information to farmers and relevant authorities.
This enables proactive measures, such as early harvesting, relocation of livestock, and the implementation of contingency plans, to reduce potential losses.
Effective communication channels and community-level preparedness initiatives are essential to ensure that early warnings translate into timely action.
Risk transfer mechanisms, such as affordable crop and livestock insurance schemes, can provide a crucial safety net for farmers. By cushioning them against the financial shocks of disaster-related losses, insurance can encourage continued investment in agriculture and facilitate quicker recovery.
Exploring innovative insurance models tailored to the specific needs and vulnerabilities of smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe is essential.
Diversifying livelihoods beyond rain-fed agriculture can enhance the resilience of rural communities.
Supporting income-generating activities such as beekeeping, small livestock rearing (which can be more drought-tolerant), and value addition of agricultural products can provide alternative sources of income and reduce dependence on a single, vulnerable agricultural system.
The crucial role of well-resourced and effective agricultural extension services cannot be overstated.
These services are vital for disseminating information on climate-smart practices, disaster preparedness techniques, and risk management strategies to farmers. Investing in training programs that equip farmers with the knowledge and skills to adapt to changing conditions is essential.
Collaborations with international research institutions, such as the work of ACIAR with ICRISAT in Zimbabwe on drought-resistant crops, highlight the importance of knowledge transfer and capacity building.
Strong policy and institutional frameworks are the bedrock upon which resilience-building efforts must be built.
Integrating disaster risk reduction into national agricultural development plans and ensuring effective coordination among government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders is crucial.
The anticipated adoption of the Disaster Risk Management Bill in Zimbabwe represents a significant step towards a more coherent and proactive approach to disaster risk management.
Nature-based solutions offer a sustainable and cost-effective approach to enhancing resilience.
Conserving and sustainably managing natural resources such as forests, wetlands, and riparian vegetation provides essential ecosystem services, including water regulation, soil conservation, and protection against extreme weather events. Investing in the restoration and sustainable use of these natural buffers can significantly reduce vulnerability to disasters.
Finally, establishing and maintaining adequate strategic grain reserves and strengthening national food security systems are essential for ensuring food availability during and after disasters.
Robust social safety nets are also crucial for protecting vulnerable populations from food shortages and providing timely assistance.
The Zimbabwean government's plans to revise its Strategic Grain Reserve policy reflect a recognition of this critical need.
The impact of disasters on agriculture and food security in Zimbabwe is profound and far-reaching, threatening livelihoods, exacerbating poverty, and undermining national development.
The examples of recurring droughts and other climate-related shocks paint a clear picture of the nation's vulnerability.
However, by embracing a proactive and strategic approach that prioritizes investment in resilience, Zimbabwe can break free from this cycle of devastation.
A comprehensive strategy encompassing climate-smart agriculture, improved water management, early warning systems, risk transfer mechanisms, livelihood diversification, strengthened extension services, supportive policies, nature-based solutions, and robust food security systems offers a tangible pathway towards mitigating losses and building a more food-secure and prosperous future for all Zimbabweans.
The time for decisive action and sustained investment in resilience is now, to ensure that the crushing grip of disasters on Zimbabwe's agricultural heartland is loosened, and the seeds of a more secure future can flourish.
*Gary Gerald Mtombeni is a journalist based in Harare. He writes here in his own personal capacity. For feedback Email [email protected]/ call- +263778861608
