Famine Early Warning Systems Network

By the third week of November, effective rainfall for planting was received across most parts of the country with the exception of the extreme southeastern areas covering Chiredzi, Mwenezi and southern Chipinge Districts. With the start of rains, there were also reports of violent storms associated with high winds and flash floods across parts of the country. This resulted in some destruction of infrastructure and property, and some loss of lives. Land preparation and planting activities have started in most areas, though access to crop inputs and draught power are very limited. Crop input prices are very prohibitive on the markets with many households unable to afford seeds and fertilizers. Field reports indicate most farmers are waiting for crop input assistance especially from the government. This has negatively impacted their ability to engage in agriculture activities.

Prior to the start of the rains, from late-October to early-November, very high and near-record temperatures and dry conditions led to the further deterioration of pasture conditions and availability of water for both human and livestock use. Cattle deaths continue to be reported mainly across most districts in the southern and western parts of the country. Donkey deaths are also being reported, an indicator of a very poor situation, as donkeys are usually more resilient than other livestock. Similarly, goat and sheep conditions are also deteriorating, which is very atypical. Most poor households are unable to provide supplementary livestock feeds and drugs due to unusually high prices on the market. Pastureland is slow to regenerate with the start of the rainfall season and similarly water availability and access are yet to improve in most areas. Distress livestock sales are being reported in most areas as a result of these conditions.

In addition to the continued effects of the 2018/19 drought, the macroeconomic challenges in the country continue to impact livelihoods and household access to food and other basic needs. This is further worsening the food security situation in both rural and urban areas. Local currency notes and coins continue to be sold on the black market despite the introduction of new notes and coins in early November. The parallel market exchange rates for foreign currency continue to increase and influence the pricing of goods and services and drive high speculation on the markets. Prices remain significantly above average and continue to increase. Some goods and services are being charged in US Dollars or South African Rand despite the ban on foreign currency usage implemented in June. Additionally, weekly fuel price increases continue to pose upward pressures on the prices of goods and services. In the 2020 national budget pronouncement in November, the government has removed the maize grain subsidy to private millers. This has already resulted in a near doubling of maize meal prices at the end of November and will likely result in shortages of maize meal on the markets as millers source for own-stocks in-country (at market prices) or through imports amidst critical foreign currency shortages.

Currently, most of the country is experiencing Crisis (IPC Phase 3) food security outcomes. However, some of the worst affected areas targeted for humanitarian food assistance are experiencing Stressed! (IPC Phase 2!) outcomes.