Zimbabwe

Presence Country

Late start of the rains results in delayed land preparation and planting

December 2014

Region shapefile:
http://shapefiles.fews.net/southern-africa201410.zip

Key Messages

The food security situation is stable across the country as most households are still consuming staple food from their own production. Some rural households are supplementing this food with market purchases, particularly in the traditionally cereal deficit areas in the south and western parts of the country. Minimal (IPC Phase 1) acute food insecurity outcomes are projected from January through March 2015.
Above-average cereal production from the previous agriculture season has resulted in improved market supplies, contributing to below average national staple food prices. Currently maize grain is selling at prices that are 23 percent below last year’s levels and 14 percent below the two-year average.
In November the northern parts of the country experienced erratic and below-average rains, resulting in abnormal dryness in the extreme northern parts of the country including some cereal surplus producing areas. Northern areas have experienced a late start of the season by up to 20 days. This delay has slowed down agriculture related activities that typically provide additional incomes for poor households during this time of the year.

This Food Security Brief is a starting point for anyone seeking a deep understanding of the range of factors influencing food security in Zimbabwe. It draws on decades of FEWS NET data and information on livelihoods, household vulnerability, nutrition, trade, and agro-climatology, as well as an array of other sources. It provides an overview of the food security context, the main determinants of chronic and acute food insecurity, and areas at most risk of food insecurity.