Zimbabwe is bracing for a potential significant drop in crop production due to reduced rainfall from El Niño, which could severely impact its agriculture-dependent economy and food security. Corn production could be halved to 1.1 million tonnes in 2024, but recent rains have led to hopes of a 'decent' crop. Meanwhile, the country is expected to produce 450,000 tonnes of wheat in 2023, but the quality is insufficient for bread production, necessitating wheat imports. National Foods Holdings Ltd., the leading producer in the milling industry, is installing a new pasta line in Harare.
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Southern African nation braces for drop in crop production Source: Focus on Zimbabwe | World Grain HARARE, ZIMBABWE – Faced with reduced rainfall due to El Niño, Zimbabwe is bracing for a possibly significant fall in crop production that could leave a large portion of its rural population without enough food. At the end of 2023, government officials said corn (maize) production could be halved to 1.1 million tonnes in 2024 with the agriculture sector shrinking by nearly 5%. But a few weeks into the new year, officials said El Niño had weakened and recent rains had farmers predicting a “decent” crop for 2024. The nation experienced above-average cereal production in 2023, setting a record in wheat production, as weather conditions were favorable in the 2022-23 growing season. Zimbabwe’s economy is heavily reliant on agriculture, accounting for 17% of the gross domestic product and providing 60% to 70% of the nation’s employment. The performance of agriculture is a key determinant ...
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