Online Reporter
Theseus Shambare in BULAWAYO
Farmers in Zimbabwe’s hardest-hit climate regions are celebrating new-found food and livestock security following the successful implementation of an anticipatory action project that helped them prepare for and respond to droughts and other climate-related shocks.
Zimbabwe has experienced severe weather fluctuations over the past years, including erratic rainfall patterns, prolonged dry spells and the devastating impacts of El Niño-induced droughts that have repeatedly threatened food and water security across the country.
The two-year project, funded by the European Commission’s Humanitarian Aid department (ECHO) and implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), World Food Programme (WFP) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), focused on building community resilience through early warning systems and proactive planning.
For Mr Trevor Ncube, a livestock farmer in Beitbridge, the support came just in time.
“Thanks to the support from the FAO project, I learned how to save my livestock through feed formulation.
“Now I am growing velvet beans and lablab and mixing them with sorghum stover to create a nutritious and readily available feed source,” he said.
Beitbridge, located in Zimbabwe’s dry Region 5, was recently hit by a severe drought that killed over 400 cattle. But Ncube’s livestock survived.
“Last season, I harvested 200 bales of lablab from half a hectare and 15 bags of sorghum from a hectare.
“My family did not go hungry during last year’s drought that affected millions of Zimbabweans,” said Mr Ncube.
“I am now an inspiration to others and sharing the knowledge I gained from the Government and FAO to end hunger in my community.”
In Matobo, another semi-arid district, farmers like Mrs Fidelia Ngwenya have also benefited from the same programme.
“Knowing which crops thrive best in our area has been critical in improving productivity,” said Mrs Ngwenya, who credited tailored crop advisories for helping her select climate-appropriate varieties.
The ECHO-supported Anticipatory Action (AA) Project empowered farmers by linking scientific data with local action. Early warnings including weather and planting advice broadcast via local media platforms played a key role.
“I used anticipatory messages from the Government through a local community radio station and newspaper to determine when to plant,” said Ncube.
“This resulted in me being one of the few farmers who harvested during the 2023/24 drought.”
The Bulawayo “Lessons Learned” forum, which started yesterday, brought together over 50 stakeholders—from Government ministries and NGOs to farmers and UN agencies—to assess the outcomes of the initiative.
FAO Assistant Country Representative Ms Tendai Munyokoveri said: “FAO is the leading agency globally in early warning and anticipatory action.
“We used data to monitor hazards like droughts and floods, created triggers for action and empowered communities to plan ahead.
“Our role is to ensure communities are not just survivors but prepared defenders. Anticipatory action transforms vulnerability into strength.”
Civil Protection Unit (CPU) chief director Nathan Nkomo said the Government is integrating anticipatory action into national disaster strategies.
“We are moving away from managing disasters to managing risk,” said Nkomo.
“We have already trained our first emergency response teams and are training more in August.”
Zimbabwe, he said, is also investing in drones and grassroots structures for faster response.
“Where a road or bridge is cut off, drones can collect real-time information,” Nkomo said.
WFP Programme Policy Officer Munyaradzi Mubaiwa said, “Imagine a world where communities are not just survivors but prepared defenders. We say Humanity First and this is the thrust we maintain.”
