Zimbabue

The start of the 2023 harvests in April is improving food access and dietary diversity across Zimbabwe, driving widespread Stressed (IPC Phase 2) outcomes in deficit-producing areas and Minimal (IPC Phase 1) outcomes in surplus-producing areas. However, anticipated below-average harvests due to poorly distributed rainfall will likely result in most households depleting their food stocks earlier than normal in some southern and other deficit-producing areas, resulting in Crisis (IPC Phase 3) outcomes emerging by August/September. In the typical surplus-producing areas, communal areas with lower crop production will likely experience Stressed (IPC Phase 2) outcomes by September, while resettlement areas will continue to face Minimal (IPC Phase 1) acute food insecurity.

Market supplies of staple grains are still below average as the harvest begins. However, market demand for maize and other staple grains is reducing as most households begin consuming cereals from their harvests. In most markets, staple grain prices in USD have remained unchanged since prices peaked in February and March. Significant seasonal price drops are expected to begin in May, particularly in the northern areas. Market supplies in the south will likely be near-normal as the government now allows self-financed farmers to sell openly on the markets.

Headline inflation remains high, compounded by high production, fuel, and transportation costs. In April, the local ZWL further depreciated as the parallel market and official exchange rates increased by about 70 and 20 percent compared to February, respectively. Between February and April, bread, sugar, and wheat flour prices increased by about 40 percent, with maize meal prices increasing by nearly 60 percent. Rice and vegetable oil prices increased by about 20 percent. The high and increasing food prices are lowering household purchasing power and limiting market purchases.

Household access to income from agricultural labor remains lower than normal, particularly in southern and central areas where the prolonged dry spells have impacted crop production. However, in the northern areas, opportunities for harvesting labor are improving but at below-normal levels. Following the end of the rainy season, artisanal mining activities are increasing across the country. Some poor households are also slowly engaging in or have begun preparations for typical off-farm activities such as brick molding, crafting, grass cutting and sale, and other self-employment activities to earn additional income.