Background

The  continued economic decline has created a hyper-inflation environment in Zimbabwe. All sectors are affected, including agriculture, which at the same time has experienced a series of poor harvests in recent years. In 2007/08, agricultural production hit an all-time low for most crops. The resulting price increases for basic commodities are threatening the livelihoods of many families. The country is also experiencing shortages of basic agricultural inputs, including top-dressing fertilizer, fuel, as well as legume and small grain seeds, which have hampered preparations for the 2008/09 season. The affordability of these items is a crucial issue. When basic commodities and agricultural inputs are available, most rural households simply cannot afford them.

An unclear market environment, coupled with controlled producer prices, is resulting in a lack of incentives in the agriculture sector, which undermines production and productivity. Agriculture has shifted away from the commercial sphere towards more basic subsistence farming methods that are dependent on weather patterns. Historically, the smallholder sector did produce most of the maize in Zimbabwe, but statistics show a steady decline in the production of the main staple foods in the country. In the context of high rates of HIV/AIDS, the difficulties in the agriculture sector have led to increased exposure to recurrent food insecurity for smallholder farmers.

FAO’s emergency role in Zimbabwe

FAO’s emergency programme has an overall budget of over USD 9.5 million for ongoing projects. FAO has taken a lead role in the coordination and monitoring of humanitarian interventions in the agriculture sector and, as such, chairs monthly agriculture meetings, bringing together the key actors in the sector. 

In terms of programming, the main focus is on reviving agricultural production in Zimbabwe in order to rebuild food and livelihood security, thereby lessening the country’s dependence on large-scale food imports. FAO is, therefore, promoting better farm management  (making the most efficient use of available land and inputs), through:

• increased technical support and training;
• proper farm management (timely planting, frequent weeding);
• judicious use of inputs; and
• conservation techniques. 

Conservation farming is one if the best examples of appropriate conservation techniques that can increase yield while preserving the environment. Based on concepts of minimal soil disturbance, keeping the soil covered and mixing and rotating crops, conservation farming has been proven to be a viable tool in enhancing soil fertility and attaining food security. This farming practice is taking off in Zimbabwe through the collaborative efforts of FAO, NGOs, the Ministry of Agriculture, research institutes, donors and smallholder farmers.

To complement its agriculture interventions, FAO supports the Department of Veterinary Services in conducting animal vaccination campaigns (anthrax, rabies, foot-and-mouth disease). Livestock plays a vital role in the livelihoods of many smallholders.