Attachments
Situation Update
Despite the late start of the 2024/2025 rainfall season and the drier than normal conditions experienced during the October to December 2024 period, recent rains received early January 2025, have renewed hope for most farmers across the country. The Meteorological Services Department projects normal to above-normal rains until March 2025. According to the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water And Rural Development, over 1.4 million hectares are under maize, supported by government initiatives such as Pfumvudza/Intwasa, the National Enhanced Agriculture Productivity Scheme, and private sector contributions. Input distribution is said to have improved, with 64% of basal fertiliser and 120% of maize seed targets delivered, enhancing national food security efforts.
Efforts to cushion communities in the lean season are unnderway with the government implementing various relief programs in both rural and urban areas. These are being supported by several partners including the UN, NGOs and the private sector.
Highlights
- In USD terms, the month on month inflation was 0.6% while the annual inflation was 2.5% for December 2024. In local currency, the month on month inflation rate was 3.7% down from 11.7% in November 2024 (RBZ).
- The WFP Hunger Map Live continues to show a high food insecurity situation in the country with about 31% of the rural population facing insufficient food consumption and 74% engaged in crisis and emergency coping strategies in November 2024.
- Price of food on the international market saw a slight downward movement of about 0.5% according to the FAO price index. The index stood at 127 points.
- Maize meal was available in an average of 90% of the rural and urban markets. Other food commodities monitored were generally available in most markets except for chicken, eggs, and vegetables in formal rural markets as these are mainly sold at household level.
- The USD and ZWG cost of the monitored food and non food essential needs basket remained the same in both urban and rural markets when compared to November 2024.