Online Reporter
ZIMBABWE’S determination to secure another bumper wheat harvest demonstrates the importance of planning ahead in an era where climate change and weather extremes are increasingly threatening agricultural production.
The country’s drive to plant 125 000 hectares (ha) of wheat, with more than 118 000ha already planted and prospects of harvesting over 662 000 tonnes, is not merely an agricultural achievement.
It is a strategic national response to a looming threat.
With meteorological forecasts pointing to an 80 percent probability of an El Niño-induced drought during the 2026/2027 summer cropping season, the Government’s decision to intensify winter wheat production is both timely and commendable.
It reflects a shift from crisis management to proactive risk management — a critical transformation that Zimbabwe must continue to embrace if it is to safeguard food security in the face of climate uncertainty.
The significance of the winter wheat programme cannot be overstated. Unlike summer crops that depend largely on rainfall, wheat is grown under irrigation, making it less vulnerable to erratic weather patterns.
With dam levels remaining above 90 percent following a favourable rainy season, the Government has wisely chosen to convert abundant water resources into a strategic food security asset.
This approach strengthens the nation’s resilience in several ways.
First, a projected harvest of more than 662 000 tonnes would far exceed the country’s annual wheat requirements of approximately 360 000 tonnes.
Such a surplus would allow Zimbabwe to maintain adequate stocks, strengthen the Strategic Grain Reserve and reduce vulnerability to future food shortages.
Second, increased domestic wheat production saves valuable foreign currency that would otherwise be spent on imports.
Only a few years ago, Zimbabwe relied heavily on imported wheat. Today, the country is increasingly meeting its own requirements, demonstrating the benefits of sustained investment in irrigation, mechanisation, farmer support programmes and agricultural modernisation.
Third, a strong wheat harvest provides a critical buffer against the anticipated effects of drought.
Should summer crop yields be affected by poor rainfall, wheat reserves will help ensure that national food supplies remain stable, thereby protecting households from hunger and shielding the economy from food price shocks.
Equally important is the Government’s recognition that food security is influenced not only by weather conditions, but also by global economic developments.
The initiative to localise fertiliser production is, therefore, a prudent move.
International tensions, rising fuel costs and potential disruptions to global supply chains pose serious risks to agricultural production worldwide.
By investing in local fertiliser manufacturing and revitalising the phosphate value chain through the Mutapa Investment Fund, Zimbabwe is taking important steps towards reducing external vulnerabilities and strengthening agricultural sustainability.
While the wheat programme is a major milestone, it should form part of a broader drought mitigation strategy.
Zimbabwe must continue expanding irrigation infrastructure to reduce dependence on rainfall across all crop sectors.
The rehabilitation of existing irrigation schemes and development of new ones should remain a national priority.
The promotion of drought-tolerant crops such as sorghum, millet and rapoko must also be intensified.
These traditional grains are better suited to Zimbabwe’s increasingly dry conditions and can play a vital role in ensuring household and national food security during drought years.
Water harvesting technologies, conservation agriculture, climate-smart farming practices and improved extension services should likewise be expanded to equip farmers with the knowledge and tools required to adapt to changing climatic conditions.
In addition, strengthening agricultural research and early warning systems will enable farmers and policymakers to make informed decisions based on reliable climate forecasts and scientific evidence. Investment in seed development, livestock resilience programmes and strategic feed reserves will further enhance the country’s preparedness for future climate shocks.
Food security is not achieved through a single intervention. It requires a comprehensive and integrated approach that combines production, storage, value addition, infrastructure development and climate adaptation.
Encouragingly, Zimbabwe appears to be moving in that direction.
The winter wheat programme stands as evidence that when the Government, farmers and agricultural stakeholders work together, meaningful progress is possible.
It demonstrates foresight, strategic planning and a commitment to protecting citizens from the devastating effects of drought.
As the nation braces for the possibility of another difficult summer season, the message is clear: Preparation is the best defence against hunger.
By investing in irrigation, boosting local production, building grain reserves and reducing dependence on imports, Zimbabwe is laying a strong foundation for food security and national resilience.
The challenge now is to sustain this momentum, broaden climate adaptation measures and ensure that every sector of agriculture contributes to a future where drought no longer translates into food insecurity.
