Nuancing Food and Nutrition Security In Zimbabwe

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Siyalima Farm, Zimbabwe 

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imbabwe has been struggling with food and nutrition insecurity (FNS) for several decades now. The country finds itself in this precarious position due to a combination of several factors including climate change, economic challenges, poor governance, and the recent Covid-19 pandemic. Several recent reports continue to raise concern for the current food situation in the country, particularly in rural areas.

The Zimbabwe Vulnerability Assessment Committee (ZimVAC), captures this through their recently released Rural Livelihoods Assessment report for 2022. The report captures the current food situation in Zimbabwe by highlighting that the country is facing a significant food crisis/deficit, with an estimate of about 5.5 million people requiring food assistance between October 2022 and March 2023. Similar findings were also shared by FAO, despite a forecast of above-average rainfall for the 2022/2023 cropping season. Adverse weather conditions have resulted in below-average cereal outturn in 2022, thereby projecting exceptionally high food inflation and significantly high levels of food insecurity

The ZimVac report indicates that the food deficit is due to several factors, including the poor performance of the 2021/2022 agricultural season, which was characterized by erratic rainfall patterns and the outbreak of fall armyworms. The drought-like conditions have resulted in poor crop yields, particularly in the southern parts of the country. Furthermore, the report highlights that the country is facing economic challenges, including high inflation, and limited foreign currency reserves, which have made it difficult for the government to import food and other essential commodities. This has resulted in a shortage of basic commodities, including maize meal, cooking oil, sugar, and wheat flour, which has made it difficult for many households to access food.

At the same time, the country wasn't spared by the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. The pandemic disrupted food supply chains, particularly in urban areas, where most people rely on markets for their food needs. The lockdown measure effected by the government of Zimbabwe made it difficult for farmers to access markets and inputs, further exacerbating the food crisis. 

The food situation in Zimbabwe varies across different regions of the country and across the urban-rural divide. In urban areas, the situation is relatively better, with most people having access to markets and being able to purchase food. However, in rural areas, the situation is dire, with many households facing acute food shortages. The ZimVAC report indicates that some households are surviving on a single meal a day; a coping mechanism popularly known as 0.0.1, while others are relying on wild fruits and vegetables to supplement their diets.

In response to the soaring food crisis, the government and its development partners have implemented several interventions. These interventions include the distribution of food aid, the provision of inputs such as seeds and fertilizers, and the rehabilitation of irrigation schemes. However, the impact of these interventions has been limited, with many households still struggling to access food.

Moreover, the Zimbabwean government has introduced several agricultural policies, including the Command Agriculture Program, to boost food production and reduce food and nutrition insecurity. The program involves the provision of farming inputs and technical support to farmers, and it has been successful in increasing maize production in the country. However, the program has been criticized for being politically motivated and for not benefiting small-scale farmers.

The program, which was introduced by the Zimbabwean government to boost food production and reduce food and nutrition insecurity, has been criticized by many for its implementation and impact. One of the main criticisms of the program is that it is politically motivated and provisions are made on partisan bases. Reports suggest that only politically connected individuals are benefiting from the program. This has resulted in accusations of corruption, nepotism, and favoritism, thereby undermining the program's effectiveness and credibility.

Another criticism of the Command Agriculture Program is that it is not benefiting small-scale farmers, who constitute the majority of the farmers in the country. The program is geared toward large-scale commercial farmers, who have the resources and capacity to produce large quantities of crops. Smallholder farmers, on the other hand, lack the resources and support to participate fully in the program. Leaving them at a disadvantage, thereby compromising FSN at the level of a household. As a result, the program is exacerbating inequality in the agricultural sector and widening the gap between large-scale and small-scale farmers.

In conclusion, the current food situation in Zimbabwe remains a cause of concern, particularly in rural areas. the country is facing a significant food deficit. This is due to a combination of factors, including climate change, economic challenges, poor food governance, and the Covid-19 pandemic. While several interventions have been put in place to address the situation, more needs to be done to ensure that all households have access to adequate and nutritious food. It is essential for the government, development partners, and stakeholders to work together to address the root causes of food and nutrition insecurity in Zimbabwe. 

Authors recommendations 

  • The Command Agriculture Program should be implemented in a transparent and accountable manner. this is to mean that selection of beneficiaries should be based on objective criteria. Such as the farmer's track record and capacity to produce, rather than political connections. 
  • The government should also put mechanisms in place to monitor the implementation of the program. Such as regular audits and evaluations to ensure that the program achieves its intended goals.
  • The government should ensure that The Command Agriculture Program is more inclusive and accessible to small-scale farmers. This could be achieved by providing targeted support and resources to small-scale farmers, such as training, inputs, and access to markets. 
  • The government could also consider providing incentives for commercial farmers to work with small-scale farmers, such as through contract farming arrangements, to promote collaboration and knowledge sharing.


Location: 9R6J+PQ2, Taikoo, Zimbabwe

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