Good Start, Bad Ending

The 2025-2026 farming season started with promise. Early planting and high germination rates were recorded. The Tobacco Auction Floors were set to open on 04 March. Then, the weather changed.

A prolonged dry spell hit the country. It struck as crops were at peak flowering and tasseling. The result will be a reduced harvest. In some areas, it is a total write-off. The rain has returned, but it is too late for damaged cereal crops. They show no signs of recovery.

The drought is not only affecting crops. In Dande and Muzarabani, grass for cattle has dried up. Rivers like Karoi and Musingwa remain empty. Farmers are asking who will survive this unexpected drought.

A tour in Mt Darwin district found farmers in turmoil. In Tsenga, under Chief Chiswiti, Mr. Tiki Chifumuro is puzzled. He raises goats, pigs, and poultry. His source of income is gone. He used to make his own animal feed, but the drought has let him down. Now, he must downsize his herd. He said commercial feeds are far too expensive for him.

In Dotito, farmer Edmore Chipura voiced another worry. Tobacco farming in the area is good. Farmers will be paid soon. But where will they get maize for their families? He also reported that cattle are dying from theileriosis. Dipping is not functional. He said cattle buyers are capitalizing on the situation. Farmers are forced to sell their wealth at giveaway prices.

In Kandeya, a man known as Bholato described a different survival tactic. He said people have flooded the Mukaradzi mining area. They are panning for gold illegally. They play hide and seek with the police. Their goal is simple: to put food on the table.

Civil Society Organisations are now stepping in. They have started a pilot project to feed students. Not all schools are benefiting. Only eight schools have been selected. The project is run by Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed, in partnership with Blue Sky. They are working with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, the Department of Social Welfare, and the Ministry of Health to curb hunger.

The season that started so well is ending badly. Farmers in the district now face a continued period of food shortages