Lower levels of beneficiary targeting and expected below-average seasonal rainfall to limit poor household food access

Southern Zimbabwe is mainly experiencing Stressed (IPC Phase 2!) food security outcomes which will likely persist until March 2016 due to the ongoing lean season food assistance. However, some districts are in Crisis (IPC Phase 3) because of lower than normal levels of program targeting. Most northern provinces are experiencing Minimum (IPC Phase 1) outcomes, with the exception of a few areas that are Stressed (IPC Phase 2) and in Crisis (IPC Phase 3) due to depletion of household food stocks and limited livelihood options. 

National average maize grain prices are above last year and the five-year average and are expected to be at these levels throughout the remainder of the consumption year. Maize meal prices are expected to continue to be typically stable on most markets, with price reductions being recorded in some areas due to competition among multiple millers.

Poor households continue to extend their livelihood and coping strategies in the south and extreme northern areas where lean season assistance coverage is lower than usual this consumption year. The poor seasonal rain forecast and El Niño conditions are expected to have an adverse impact on household incomes between November and March, consequently limiting food access during the consumption year.  

For more detailed analysis, see the Food Security Outlook for October.