Zimbabwe

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Key Message Update January - May 2026 Widespread rains lead to high flood risk, but improved harvest prospects Download the report
  • As the November to February lean season reaches its peak, Crisis (IPC Phase 3) outcomes are expected to expand as more poor households start experiencing food consumption gaps. Most typical deficit-producing areas in the south, east, west, and far north will move into Crisis (IPC Phase 3) due to the depletion of own-produced food stocks and constrained access to market purchases due to poor purchasing power, driven by limited income and relatively high food prices. In most typical surplus-producing areas – mainly in the Mashonaland Provinces – Stressed (IPC Phase 2) outcomes will be prevalent as poor households rely on limited own-produced food stocks and some labor income for market purchases but are generally unable to meet their basic non-food needs. Forecasted average rainfall through the rest of the November to March rainy season is likely to result in an above-average 2026 crop harvests from April/May, improving household food access and driving Minimal (IPC Phase 1) and Stressed (IPC Phase 2) outcomes.
  • Above-average rainfall was received in January across the country, resulting in continued conditions supportive of agricultural production. Cumulative seasonal rainfall from October to January is up to double the seasonal average across most areas, with higher amounts received in the southern, southeastern, and some western areas. Cropped area is above average for staple cereals and other crops. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, as of mid-January, area planted for maize had reportedly surpassed the 1.8-million-hectare government target. The sorghum planted area is about 553,000 hectares, exceeding the targeted 500,000 hectares by 11 percent. Over 162,000 hectares of tobacco have been planted this season, a record for the country and 42 percent above last season. The high planted area is likely to drive another record for national tobacco production, and is expected to support income in tobacco-producing areas – primarily in the Mashonaland and Manicaland Provinces – when the marketing season starts. The harvesting and curing of the 2025/26 early planted tobacco started in January across parts of the tobacco-growing areas.  
  • Despite some poorer conditions due to heavy rains, most crops are in good condition, ranging from the early vegetative to tasseling crop stages. Following heavy rainfall across most areas, especially in the south and south-east, there has been nutrient leaching, waterlogging, and yellowing of crops, as well as difficulties in weed control and fertilizer application. Access to fertilizers on the market remains constrained, especially for poor households: relatively high fertilizer prices compared to recent years due to lower availability may negatively impact potential yields. The above-average rainfall is driving increased susceptibility of crops to pests; authorities are encouraging farmers to actively scout for crop pests. However, above-average planted area and fewer problems in some high productivity northern areas are likely to continue to lead to an above-average national harvest.  
  • Sustained favorable rainfall has significantly improved pasture availability and, therefore, livestock conditions. Livestock prices are currently above average. However, wetter conditions have increased the likelihood of seasonal livestock diseases, such as tick-borne diseases in herds, and waterborne diseases in rural and urban areas.
  • Surface and groundwater sources have been replenished by the above-average rainfall, enhancing access to water for domestic, livelihood, and commercial activities. According to the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA), the national average dam level (excluding Lake Kariba) was 90 percent full as of January 26, a 17 percent increase since late November 2025. The average dam level at the same time last year was about 73 percent. Of the dams monitored by ZINWA, 104 were 100 percent full, with the government warning of flooding in downstream and other flood-prone areas. Average dam levels are expected to rise further, given the forecast average rainfall for the rest of the season, including a chance of cyclones.
  • Annual headline inflation continued to decrease in January while month-on-month USD, ZWG, and blended inflation remained stable, a trend maintained since early 2025, according to the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency. However, food prices remain high for poor households, with the high prices outpacing income in recent years. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN Global Information and Early Warning System (GIEWS) for Zimbabwe in December 2025, domestic prices of most staple food commodities remain high due to the lingering effects of the 2024 drought and elevated transport and input costs.
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Food Security Classification data View all Zimbabwe Food Security Classification data
Zimbabwe Acute Food Insecurity Classification

Forward-looking analysis representing the most likely food security outcomes for the near term (December 2025 - January 2026) and medium term (February 2026 - May 2026) periods.

 Zimbabwe Acute Food Insecurity Classification Shapefile December 2025 (.zip) Zimbabwe Acute Food Insecurity Classification December 2025 (.geojson) Near Term Projection: December 2025 - January 2026 (.png) Medium Term Projection: February 2026 - May 2026 (.png) Near Term Projection: December 2025 - January 2026 (.kml) Medium Term Projection: February 2026 - May 2026 (.kml) Zimbabwe Acute Food Insecurity Classification

Forward-looking analysis representing the most likely food security outcomes for the near term (November 2025 - January 2026) and medium term (February 2026 - May 2026) periods.

 Zimbabwe Acute Food Insecurity Classification Shapefile November 2025 (.zip) Zimbabwe Acute Food Insecurity Classification November 2025 (.geojson) Near Term Projection: November 2025 - January 2026 (.png) Medium Term Projection: February 2026 - May 2026 (.png) Near Term Projection: November 2025 - January 2026 (.kml) Medium Term Projection: February 2026 - May 2026 (.kml) Zimbabwe Acute Food Insecurity Classification

Current (October 2025) food security outcomes and forward-looking analysis representing the most likely food security outcomes for the near term (October 2025 - January 2026) and medium term (February 2026 - May 2026) periods.

 Zimbabwe Acute Food Insecurity Classification Shapefile October 2025 (.zip) Zimbabwe Acute Food Insecurity Classification October 2025 (.geojson) Current Situation: October 2025 (.png) Near Term Projection: October 2025 - January 2026 (.png) Medium Term Projection: February 2026 - May 2026 (.png) Current Situation: October 2025 (.kml) Near Term Projection: October 2025 - January 2026 (.kml) Medium Term Projection: February 2026 - May 2026 (.kml)
Seasonal Calendar

The Seasonal Calendar shows the annual and cyclical patterns of key food and income sources in a country throughout the typical year.
Seasonal Calendar image showing harvest and rainy periods for Zimbabwe
Production & Trade Flow Maps
FEWS NET captures the market networks for a product in a given country or region, including their catchments and trade flow patterns.
Wheat, Normal Year Maize, Normal Year
Satellite-derived products map

USGS-provided data and imagery supports FEWS NET's monitoring efforts of weather and climate throughout the world.

View all satellite-derived products
Livelihood Zone resources Zimbabwe Livelihood Baseline Narrative - 2011 Zimbabwe Livelihood Baseline Synthesis Report - 2011 Zimbabwe Livelihoods Profiles, December 2010 Zimbabwe Livelihood Zones Map
Zimbabwe 2011 Livelihood Zones Map (.PNG)
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