Theseus Mauruki Shambare
FARMERS in drought-prone areas have been urged to prioritise maize production under irrigation and grow sorghum on dryland as Government intensifies efforts to protect national food security against the anticipated Super El Niño-induced drought.
The strategy seeks to align crop production with prevailing agro-ecological conditions, reducing farmers’ exposure to erratic rainfall while sustaining cereal output during the 2026/27 summer cropping season.
The approach is particularly significant for Matabeleland North and South, where large parts of the provinces fall under Natural Regions IV and V, characterised by low and unreliable rainfall.
Masvingo Provincial Agriculture and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS) director Mr Caleb Mahoya said farmers should concentrate maize production under irrigation while turning to traditional grains in areas dependent on rainfall.
“We also have a target of irrigated maize, where we are targeting 5 120 hectares to be put under irrigation, that is maize, because we are saying maize is only going to be grown under irrigation. And anywhere else, we are encouraging our farmers to do traditional grains and to do Pfumvudza,” he said.
He said the approach was informed by the need to strengthen agricultural resilience as Zimbabwe prepares for potentially difficult weather conditions.
Mr Mahoya said 85 percent of Masvingo Province falls under Natural Regions IV and V, making conservation agriculture and climate adaptation particularly important for farmers.
The shift towards traditional grains is expected to reduce dependence on rain-fed maize, which is vulnerable to prolonged dry spells and poor rainfall distribution.
Strategic Grain Reserve 200ha Plus chairman Mr Tichaona Mapfoche said farmers should grow crops suited to their respective agro-ecological regions as part of broader efforts to counter the effects of climate change and strengthen domestic food production.
“We are encouraging all our farmers to take heed of the Government’s advice under the six-pillar drought mitigation strategy and grow crops suited to their respective agro-ecological regions.
“Large parts of Masvingo and the Matabeleland provinces fall under Natural Regions IV and V, which calls for a deliberate shift towards traditional grains, particularly sorghum, on dryland. These crops are more drought-tolerant and will help safeguard household food security and ensure that no one goes hungry,” he said.
Mr Mapfoche said farmers should also embrace water conservation practices, including mulching and conservation agriculture, to improve moisture retention and protect crops against dry conditions.
He said the organisation was working with the Ministry of Agriculture to strengthen farmers’ capacity through a mentorship programme based on a hub-and-spoke model.
Under the arrangement, demonstration centres will serve as centres of excellence where farmers acquire practical knowledge before applying the techniques in their respective communities.
The campaign forms part of Government’s six-pillar drought mitigation strategy, which also seeks to strengthen the Strategic Grain Reserve and cushion agricultural production against international supply-chain disruptions affecting fuel and fertiliser availability.
Government is targeting to build the national Strategic Grain Reserve to 600 000 tonnes, while farmers benefiting from the Presidential Input Programme have been encouraged to contribute at least 10 kilogrammes of grain each towards the reserve.
For Matabeleland, the emphasis on irrigation and traditional grains comes as farmers prepare for another potentially challenging agricultural season, with water availability and appropriate crop selection remaining critical to rural livelihoods and food security.
Agricultural authorities are expected to intensify farmer awareness and input distribution as preparations for the summer cropping season gather momentum.
