Systems Warn of Fresh Challenges to Follow After Zimbabwe’s Presidential Inauguration

President Emmerson Mnangagwa who is to be inaugurated tomorrow is likely to meet food shortages as early warning systems warn of an increased likelihood of a below-average rainfall in Zimbabwe.

Famine Early Warning Systems Network’s (FEWS Net) warning of below average rainfall comes at a time when Zimbabwe’s main food provider, agriculture is rainfed.

“There is an increased likelihood of an El Niño event occurring during the 2018-2019 rainy season in Southern Africa, which is likely to result in below-average rainfall across many areas, including Zimbabwe,” FEWS Net says. “This is expected to negatively affect crop and livestock production, as well as lower the availability of agricultural labor, a key source of income for poor households during the lean season.”

“Although there is some uncertainty in this forecast, poor rains will likely affect livelihood activities from October 2018 to January 2019.”

FEWS Net, which provides early warning and analysis on food insecurity, also project this year’s maize price to remain below average until August/September and to trend near the seasonal averages for the rest of the outlook period as demand increases.

The systems also say that labour rates are lower than normal due primarily to liquidity challenges.

“At the national level, 2018 production combined with carryover stocks from the 2017 season will bring maize supplies to above-average levels,” FEWS Net says. “However, deficits are expected later in the marketing year.”

“Although maize meal and maize grain prices have remained stable, prices for other food and non-food items continue to increase. With lower than normal income and higher prices for many food and non-food items, poor households’ access to food is below average.”

Besides the nature induced challenge, the incoming President will have to solve the cash and foreign currency shortage that is not only a problem for the ordinary Zimbabwean who has to wait for long queues at the banks but also for companies which need to import raw materials.

Zimbabwe’s leader, who will be inaugurated after a disputed election, might also have to meet challenge emanating from sanctions that have been renewed by the United States of America on the Southern African country.