Gwanda gets US$80 000 boost to brace for El Niño drought

Source: Gwanda gets US$80 000 boost to brace for El Niño drought – herald

Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Sukulwenkosi.dube@chronicle.co.zw
Gwanda District has benefitted from a US$800 000 drought preparedness project being implemented in five districts across the country. The anticipatory action and operational readiness project is being implemented by Lutheran Development Services (LDS), and it seeks to strengthen drought preparedness ahead of the 2026/27 agricultural season.

Forecasts show a high probability of a severe El Niño during the coming season, and planners say early action is critical to protect livelihoods.

A total of US$800 000 has been allocated for implementation across the five districts, with US$80 000 earmarked for Gwanda. Readiness activities in Gwanda are expected to be completed within one month.

The project is being funded by Christian Aid and Start Network, and it started on July 13, ending on August 13. Its main goal is to strengthen community readiness, improve systems for beneficiary preparedness and validate community priorities before drought sets in.

In Gwanda, the project will be implemented in Wards 11, 15, 16, 19 and 24. These wards were selected based on vulnerability assessments and past exposure to climate shocks.

Speaking recently during an inception meeting, LDS Gwanda district coordinator Ms Bongiwe Mabuwa said the organisation has changed its approach by moving preparedness activities forward.

“Previously, we only distributed livestock feed after the system was triggered, indicating a drought. Now, we have moved that component to the regular phase so farmers can benefit earlier,” she said.

She added that timing was a challenge in the previous project because capacity testing and pipeline installation happened at the same time.

“This time, we are conducting the assessments first so that installation can begin immediately once the system is triggered,” explained Ms Mabuwa.

She said veterinary kits will also be distributed before activation, so livestock can be protected early and that capacity assessments for piped water schemes are being conducted in advance to allow quicker implementation if drought thresholds are met.

“Under the readiness component, the project will identify high-yielding boreholes for solarisation in three new wards. It will also establish community gardens that will be supported by two existing solarised boreholes,” she added.

Community consultations will be held through district and ward inception meetings to ensure local priorities are reflected. LDS said involving communities early helps to avoid duplication and improves ownership of the interventions.

Gwanda District Development Coordinator, Ms Nomathemba Ndlovu, said public-private partnerships remain crucial in uplifting communities.

“We value such partnerships as they play a crucial role in improving livelihoods and ensuring food security at the household level,” she said.

She noted that with the anticipated El Niño drought, mechanisms are already in place to reduce its effects.
“Our district is in Region 4 and 5, and farmers are being encouraged to focus on producing traditional grains,” added Ms Ndlovu.

She said farmers are also being urged to adopt short-season and drought-tolerant crop varieties that can withstand erratic rains.

In addition, drilling of boreholes is underway, and solarised Village Business Units (VBUs) have been established across the district to cushion farmers.

She said these are among several strategies that have been put in place to build resilience at household and community level adding that early preparedness will help to reduce the need for emergency responses later in the season.

Meanwhile, the Government has stepped up preparations for the 2026/27 season and is urging farmers to prepare early while avoiding panic. Scientists continue to monitor evolving climate conditions and will issue regular updates.

Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Management Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri said leading global weather models indicate about a 90 % probability of an El Niño developing.

“Government has already activated comprehensive measures to safeguard crop and livestock production and protect national food security,” he said.

The remarks come as the Meteorological Services Department said international climate forecasting centres are projecting an 88 to 94 % probability of an El Niño event during the 2026/27 rainy season.

Historically, El Niño has carried a 65 percent chance of below-normal rainfall in Zimbabwe, although the department cautions that current projections remain preliminary.

Professor Jiri said preparations are being guided by 22 agricultural production enablers covering key areas and that these include crop production, livestock, irrigation, input supply, mechanisation, financing, insurance, cloud seeding and marketing.

“The aim is to ensure farmers are prepared for any climatic outcome and that support systems are in place before the rains. Government’s preparedness strategy includes adhering to agroecological dictates and promoting climate-smart agriculture,” he said.

“It also focuses on crop varieties suited to dry conditions, with an emphasis on traditional grains. Strengthening irrigation development and improving water harvesting are central to the plan.”

Prof Jiri said authorities are also working to expand agricultural insurance and enhance cloud-seeding programmes.
He said ensuring timely availability of inputs is another priority so that farmers are not left stranded at planting time.