Zimbabwe is bracing for a promising farming season as regional weather experts forecast normal to above-normal rainfall for the 2024/25 season, a development that is expected to significantly boost agricultural production and food security.
The Southem Africa Regional Climate Outlook Forum (SARCOF-29) forecasts showed that most of the region will receive favourable rains from November through to March 2025.
This optimistic forecast follows a devastating drought that gripped the region during the 2023/24 season and this has given local farmers hope.
Coalition of Agricultural Graduates in Zimbabwe, Dickson Kubvakacha, urged farmers to take advantage of the positive rainfall forecast for the upcoming season, emphasising that now is the time to start preparing.
“The forecast for good rains should energise every farmer to redouble their efforts in preparing for the upcoming season,” Kubvakacha said.
“It is our collective duty to ensure food security in the country, and this starts with every farmer taking responsibility by ploughing their fields, securing necessary inputs, and adopting best farming practices.
“Now is the time to be proactive, to plan meticulously, and to engage with all available resources and expertise to maximise yields.
“Let us seize this opportunity to strengthen our agricultural sector and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s economic and food security goals.”
Nickros Kajengo, the chief programmes coordinator for the Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Development’s youth desk, urged all farmers to begin preparations for the forthcoming season immediately.
“The forecast for good rains is a blessing for us all, but it is also a call to action,” Kajengo said.
“Farming is not just an activity; it is a business that requires careful planning and timely execution.
“I urge every farmer, young and old, to see this as an opportunity to enhance productivity and contribute to our nation’s food security.
“Let us get into the fields early, secure our inputs, and make the most of this promising season,” he emphasised.
Farmers who spoke to this publication were optimistic about the 2024/5 season.
Tafadzwa Moyo from Gokwe said if farmers get inputs on time they would able to boost their output.
“We were worried about prospects of another dry season, but with this forecast, we can look forward to a better harvest,” Moyo said.
“We just hope the Pfumvudza inputs will be distributed on time so that we can start planting as soon as the rains come.”
While the rainfall projections offer much-needed hope, experts advise caution, especially in drier regions such as Matabeleland.
Farmers in these areas are encouraged to plant traditional grains more suited to their climatic conditions to mitigate any potential risks associated with rainfall variability.
According to SARCOF-29, the initial period from October to December might still experience normal to below-normal rains before transitioning to normal to above-normal rains from January to March 2025.
This shift is attributed to the expected influence of La Niña weather pattems, which typically bring increased rainfall to southern Africa.