Nqobile Bhebhe, [email protected]
GOVERNMENT is building a US$500 million El Niño protection fund, split equally between cash and grain reserves, as Zimbabwe steps up preparations for a potentially severe drought in the 2026/27 agricultural season.
The fund comprises US$250 million in cash and US$250 million worth of grain, with Government prioritising local maize purchases to strengthen food security while supporting domestic farmers.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, Mr George Guvamatanga, disclosed this during an online media briefing on the sidelines of the 2026 IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings in Bangkok, Thailand on Wednesday morning.
He said Government had already accumulated more than 200 000 metric tonnes of maize in strategic reserves and was buying additional grain, including small grains and wheat, from local farmers.
“So we are buying maize from local farmers which is actually our preference rather than importation. So we are hoping that we should be able to gather enough strategic reserves of grain from local farmers and support the economy,” he said.
Mr Guvamatanga said the fund would provide a strong financial and food-security buffer, with further allocations expected in the 2027 National Budget.
“But I need to be very clear here that of the half a billion, US$250 million is cash and US$250 million will be grain, so that will give us a very strong start into the year but we will also make further provisions in the 2027 budget for further funding to support the adverse impact that will be brought forward by the El Nino phenomena,” he said.
The preparations come as forecasts point to below-normal rainfall, frequent dry spells and warmer-than-normal temperatures across much of Zimbabwe during the October 2026 to March 2027 season.
Government is also targeting one million hectares under Pfumvudza/Intwasa and plans to build strategic grain reserves of 450 000 tonnes through successive seasons.
The strategy seeks to reduce reliance on emergency maize imports while protecting vulnerable households and sustaining local agricultural production.
