Government has intensified efforts to address the grave food security situation gripping the nation, exacerbated by an El Nino-induced drought. Despite measures to climate-proof agriculture, delayed rains and prolonged dry spells have decimated crops across the country, leaving many farmers facing substantial losses.
Speaking during the post cabinet briefing in Harare, Tuesday, Information Minister Jenfan Muswere said the First Round Crop, Livestock, and Fisheries Assessment have been initiated to gauge the extent of the damage and to strategize interventions.
“The country is facing an El Nino-induced drought characterized by the delayed start of rains and prolonged dry spells, which resulted in most crops planted being a write-off despite climate-proofing measures as per agro-ecological regions.
“The nation is informed that Government is seized with the food security situation in the country and is intensifying efforts to ensure that no one and no place is left behind in terms of food sufficiency. The nation is informed that the country’s 10 600 dams can irrigate 2 million hectares, yet only 217 000 hectares has functional irrigation and some 72 000 hectares were planted under irrigated maize in the 2023/2024 season,” said Muswere.
In response to the crisis, the government has pledged to accelerate efforts in irrigation development, aiming to establish Village Business Units and rehabilitate existing irrigation systems.
“Furthermore, Cabinet highlights that ensuring sustainable food security requires accelerated Irrigation Rehabilitation and Development and the establishment of Village Business Units to mitigate the effects of climate change. To this end, the existing and innovative irrigation development programmes are being should be promoted in order to increase the area under irrigation.
“Equally important, is the need to harness Diaspora participation in investing in Agriculture Financing with particular focus on irrigation investment, in order to foster modernisation and industrialisation of rural areas. The nation is informed that an Investment Conference on Irrigation Financing will be hosted this year to attract both internal and external investors to provide the necessary impetus to accelerate Irrigation Rehabilitation and Development and Village Business Units programmes to ensure food security,” he said.
He said the government would provide regular updates to the public, keeping them informed about the progress in mitigating the food security crisis and the implementation of remedial measures.
