Child Wasting Emergency Declared in Four Districts Despite Major School Feeding Success

A combination of favorable late-season rainfall and the widespread adoption of climate-smart farming techniques has ushered in a period of unprecedented agricultural success in Zimbabwe, delivering a massive blow to chronic rural food insecurity. The 2025 Rural Livelihoods Assessment Report from the Zimbabwe Livelihoods Assessment Committee (ZimLAC) reports a colossal 290% increase in food crop production compared to the preceding drought-affected season, marking a potential turning point in the nation's pursuit of food self-sufficiency.

This boom in production has translated directly into a dramatic improvement in the national food security outlook. The proportion of cereal-insecure rural households is projected to drop by a staggering 73.2%—falling from 56% in a recent year to just 15% in 2025. This success is a powerful validation of the government's sustained focus on promoting conservation agriculture, particularly the Pfumvudza/Intwasa program.

According to the ZimLAC figures, total national cereal production is estimated to be a formidable 2,928,206 Metric Tonnes (MT). This output is dominated by an estimated 2,293,556 MT of maize and supplemented by 634,650 MT of Traditional Grains such as sorghum, pearl millet, and finger millet. The report stresses that the higher maize yields achieved through Pfumvudza — a zero-tillage, climate-smart approach focused on small, optimized plots — significantly outperformed conventional farming methods, proving the resilience of this technique against erratic weather patterns.

"The 290% increase is not just a seasonal anomaly; it reflects a deep-seated change in farming culture, supported by well-timed input distribution and effective training," said an agricultural expert analysing the ZimLAC data. "The emphasis on traditional grains is also crucial, as these are inherently more drought-resistant and better suited to Zimbabwe's varied agroecological zones, providing an essential buffer against future climatic shocks." The improved yield allows the country to replenish its strategic grain reserves, providing a buffer against the devastating effects of future droughts.

Despite this overall national success story, the ZimLAC report underscores that the humanitarian challenge is far from over. The data identifies critical pockets of vulnerability that will require immediate and sustained assistance. It is projected that during the peak hunger period of the year—from January to March 2026—approximately 1,548,432 individuals, representing the remaining 15% of rural households, will still be cereal insecure. These households, often concentrated in lower rainfall areas or regions affected by localized shocks, will require targeted intervention.

The total quarterly requirement of maize grain needed to bridge this gap across the vulnerable districts is detailed meticulously in the report. The National Strategic Grain Reserves must release 118,563 MT of maize to cover the consumption deficit between July 2025 and March 2026. The need accelerates through the season:

July to September 2025: 22,536 MT

October to December 2025: 38,735 MT

January to March 2026: 57,292 MT

The Ministry responsible for Social Welfare is urged to immediately activate distribution programmes to address these deficits, ensuring the vulnerable population receives timely assistance. The failure to do so risks negating the national-level gains and deepening poverty in the hardest-hit communities.

The sustainability of the Pfumvudza/Intwasa success is also a central theme. While the program excelled this year, the report implicitly calls for continued government and donor support to ensure access to improved seeds, fertilizers, and extension services. Furthermore, there is a recommendation to integrate this agricultural success with dietary diversity (as highlighted in Story 3), moving beyond cereal production to boost vegetable and animal protein output at the household level. The 2025 ZimLAC report marks a successful harvest and a pivotal moment, yet it is a powerful reminder that vigilance, smart policy, and sustained humanitarian assistance must continue for the entire nation to achieve resilient food security.