Zimbabwe’s agriculture ministry is preparing for what could be a punishing 2026/27 farming season, as climate forecasts point to the possible return of El Niño conditions over Southern Africa.
Agriculture Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri says the ministry has already built the El Niño threat into its summer cropping plan, even as the country awaits formal guidance from the Ministry of Environment and climate authorities.
The response is centred on Pfumvudza/Intwasa, agro-ecological tailoring and climate-smart farming practices that match crops to local rainfall and soil conditions.
The warning is significant because Zimbabwe is still recovering from the last El Niño-induced drought, which reduced harvests, strained food supplies and exposed the vulnerability of rain-fed agriculture.
Regional climate analysts have warned that a strong El Niño could bring below-normal rainfall, higher temperatures and renewed pressure on food security across Southern Africa. Zimbabwe’s strategy is therefore shifting from emergency response to resilience planning — encouraging farmers to grow crops suited to their ecological zones rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all planting model.
For farmers and agribusinesses, the coming season will test whether conservation agriculture, small grains, irrigation expansion and early planning can soften the impact of climate shocks on production.
