Harare, Nov 2025 – After several difficult years marked by erratic rainfall and drought, Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector is showing signs of renewed stability. Analysts and government officials say the 2025/26 farming season could consolidate the recovery seen this year, supported by improved rainfall forecasts, expanded input support, and strengthened farmer resilience programs.

According to the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET), a favorable 2025 harvest has already delayed the typical onset of the lean season across much of the country. Better food availability and stronger rural incomes are expected to continue into the next planting cycle, provided that pests and weather conditions remain under control.

From Drought to Recovery

The past two seasons have underscored the volatility of Zimbabwe’s farming environment. The 2023/24 cycle was hit hard by El Niño-induced drought, which sharply reduced maize and small-grain output and forced the country to import grain to cover domestic shortages.

By contrast, the 2024/25 season brought a measurable rebound. Improved rainfall, higher tobacco output, and expanded government input schemes contributed to a stronger harvest. The recovery has helped stabilize food prices and strengthen the country’s agricultural GDP.

A Positive but Uneven Outlook

Forecasts for the 2025/26 season are broadly optimistic. FEWS NET projects generally favorable conditions through the first half of 2026 but warns that risks remain uneven across provinces. Pest infestations, particularly the fall armyworm, continue to threaten maize production in some regions.

Agricultural economists note that while the overall outlook is positive, smaller and more remote farmers still face persistent challenges such as delayed input delivery, high transport costs, and limited access to finance and markets.

Also read How the Rising Cost of a Basic Food Basket Will Shape the Festive Season for Families Across Southern Africa

Government Expands Farmer Support

The Presidential Inputs Scheme remains the government’s main instrument for supporting smallholder farmers. For the current season, the scheme is distributing seed, fertilizer, and crop protection inputs to millions of rural households, with a renewed focus on drought-tolerant and early-maturing crop varieties.

To improve transparency and targeting, the government, working with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), has expanded the digital farmer registry, allowing authorities to identify beneficiaries more accurately and link them to financial and extension services.

Complementing these programs, the Pfumvudza/Intwasa conservation agriculture model continues to promote climate-smart practices such as minimum tillage, mulching, and water-efficient land preparation. Studies show that smallholders using this model have achieved better yields under both normal and dry conditions.

Persistent Challenges

Despite these gains, structural vulnerabilities remain. Exchange rate fluctuations, limited credit access, and weak storage and transport infrastructure continue to constrain productivity. The government’s decision earlier this year to restrict maize imports aims to protect local producers, but experts caution that such measures must be balanced against national food security.

Pest control is another urgent concern. The Thomson Reuters Foundation recently reported widespread armyworm outbreaks following the 2024 drought, prompting calls for improved early warning systems and better-resourced extension services.

Opportunities for Business and Investment

Analysts say the ongoing agricultural rebound presents opportunities for private investors in input distribution, mechanization services, crop insurance, and agro-processing. The growing shift toward drought-tolerant crops such as sesame, traditional grains, and oilseeds is also opening new export possibilities, especially to Asian markets.

“There is a clear opportunity for value addition and market diversification,” said one agribusiness consultant in Harare. “But sustained gains will depend on timely input delivery, investment in rural infrastructure, and continued government commitment to smallholder support.”

The Road Ahead

Zimbabwe’s 2025/26 farming season stands at a critical point. The foundations for growth, including improved rainfall, government support, and adaptive farming practices, are in place. However, success will depend on effective coordination and resilience against climate and pest shocks.

For many smallholder farmers, the difference between a good harvest and a poor one will rest on whether state input programs and technical assistance reach them in time.

If that happens, Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector may finally be turning a corner after years of climatic and economic strain.

Source ~ The Herald Online