Willard Duri, Correspondent
Zimbabwe, a nation renowned for its agricultural strength and natural beauty, is once again grappling with a devastating drought that has pushed communities to the brink of despair. As dry conditions persist, water sources dwindle and crops wither, the Government has embarked on a series of urgent relief efforts to mitigate the crisis and bolster food security.
The current drought, exacerbated by the El Niño phenomenon and climate change, has taken a heavy toll on both rural and urban communities across Zimbabwe.
With below-average rainfall recorded for the past two consecutive seasons, food production has plummeted, threatening the livelihoods of millions and placing pressure on a fragile economy still recovering from past challenges.
In response, the government has launched a multi-faceted approach to combat the effects of drought and prevent further suffering. Recognising the urgency of the situation, President Mnangagwa declared the drought a national emergency earlier this year, calling on local and international stakeholders to collaborate in the fight against food and water scarcity.
“Our people are struggling, but Zimbabwe will not stand idle. We are implementing bold measures to ensure that no Zimbabwean goes hungry,” President Mnangagwa said during a recent press briefing.
The government has rolled out immediate relief measures to address critical needs. Among these initiatives is the Food Aid Distribution Programme, led by the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare.
Through partnerships with local councils and international organisations, food packages, including maize meal, cooking oil and beans, are being distributed to vulnerable households across drought-affected regions such as Matabeleland North, Masvingo, Matabeleland South and Manicaland.
The government is also leveraging its strategic grain reserves. The Grain Marketing Board (GMB) has been tasked with releasing maize stockpiles to ensure continuous supply to affected areas. Farmers are being encouraged to sell their surplus maize to the GMB to replenish reserves and maintain sustainability. Water scarcity is one of the most pressing challenges exacerbated by the drought.
Grain Marketing Board
In response, the government has prioritised water access through infrastructure rehabilitation projects. The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development has embarked on a drive to repair broken-down boreholes and drill new ones in drought-prone communities.
Borehole drilling initiatives are being accelerated in regions such as Midlands, Mashonaland Central and Matabeleland North, where access to clean drinking water remains dire.
According to Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development Minister Dr Anxious Masuka, over 5 000 boreholes have been repaired nationwide and plans are underway to drill an additional 2 000 by the end of the year.
Dr Anxious Masuka
“Access to water is a fundamental right and we are working tirelessly to ensure every household, school and clinic has clean water,” Dr Masuka affirmed.
Additionally, the government is rehabilitating critical dams, reservoirs and irrigation systems to support agricultural activities.
The flagship Command Agriculture Programme, introduced in 2016 to boost food security, is now being revamped to include climate-smart irrigation technologies. Several large dams, including the Tugwi-Mukosi Dam, are being utilised for irrigation schemes to sustain maize and small grain production during the dry season.
The drought has underscored the importance of shifting towards sustainable agricultural practices.
The government, in collaboration with international organisations such as the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP), is promoting climate-smart agriculture as a long-term strategy to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Smallholder farmers, who are disproportionately affected by the drought, are being trained in conservation agriculture techniques, such as minimum tillage, mulching and crop rotation. These practices help retain soil moisture and improve yields despite low rainfall.
Additionally, farmers are being encouraged to plant drought-resistant crops, such as sorghum, millet and cowpeas, which are better suited to Zimbabwe’s semi-arid climate.
The government has also launched a national seed distribution program that prioritises drought-tolerant varieties.
In Mashonaland East, for example, thousands of farmers have received seed packages, enabling them to diversify their crops and reduce their reliance on maize. Innovation is playing a significant role in Zimbabwe’s drought relief efforts.
The Ministry of Agriculture is spearheading the adoption of advanced technologies to enhance early warning systems and improve preparedness for future droughts.
The Zimbabwe Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has rolled out enhanced weather forecasting systems to provide farmers with timely and accurate rainfall predictions.
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Mobile applications and SMS services are being used to disseminate critical weather updates, planting advice and drought mitigation strategies to rural farmers.
In addition, solar-powered irrigation systems are being piloted in drought-affected regions. These systems, supported by international partners, offer a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution to water scarcity, particularly in off-grid areas.
“Technology is the way forward, and we must embrace innovation to combat climate change and protect our agricultural sector,” said Dr Masuka.
The scale of the drought crisis has attracted significant support from international humanitarian organisations and donors.
The United Nations, through agencies such as the WFP and Unicef, has launched joint programmes with the Zimbabwean government to address food insecurity and water shortages. WFP Zimbabwe Representative, Francesca Erdelmann emphasised the importance of collaborative efforts.
“Our partnership with the government and local communities is critical. Together, we are reaching the most vulnerable families, providing food assistance and long-term solutions to build resilience,” she said.
In addition to international aid, local communities are stepping up to support drought relief efforts. Civil society organisations, religious groups and youth associations have mobilised resources to assist struggling families.
Community-led initiatives, such as water conservation programmes and food-sharing networks, are strengthening solidarity during these challenging times. While the government’s efforts are a vital lifeline, experts caution that addressing the root causes of drought requires sustained investment in climate resilience, infrastructure and policy reforms.
Dr Charles Chitima, an agricultural economist, emphasised the need for long-term planning.
“Zimbabwe must prioritise sustainable water management, reforestation and climate education. Short-term interventions are necessary, but we need structural changes to ensure food security for future generations,” he said.
The drought has reignited conversations around Zimbabwe’s vulnerability to climate change and the urgent need to implement environmentally sustainable solutions.
Policies promoting afforestation, wetland restoration and reduced carbon emissions are being discussed to safeguard the environment and reduce the frequency of droughts.
As Zimbabwe battles one of its worst droughts in recent years, the resilience and determination of its people stand out as a beacon of hope.
The government’s swift response, combined with the efforts of international partners and grassroots organisations, reflects a unified commitment to overcoming adversity.
“This drought will pass, but our spirit will remain strong,” said Chief Nhema of Masvingo Province.
“We are a nation of hard-working people and together, we will rise above these challenges.”
With continued collaboration and innovation, Zimbabwe can emerge stronger, more resilient and better prepared to face the uncertain future of climate change.
For now, the focus remains on saving lives, protecting livelihoods and ensuring that every Zimbabwean has access to food and water during these trying times.
