By Tichaona Katsvamutima
Zimbabwe is heading into the 2026/27 agricultural season under the shadow of a potentially punishing El Niño, with Cabinet warning of erratic rainfall, frequent dry spells and warmer-than-normal temperatures across the country.
The warning comes as farmers prepare for the summer cropping season, with Government saying a “very strong El Niño” is expected to influence rainfall between October 2026 and March 2027.
According to the 2026/27 Seasonal Rainfall Outlook presented to Cabinet by Environment, Climate and Wildlife Minister Evelyn Ndlovu, the phenomenon increases the likelihood of a below-normal to normal rainfall season.
For the October to December period, cumulative rainfall is forecast to lean towards below-normal to normal levels, although Cabinet said local variations could still occur.
Some districts in Matabeleland South and Masvingo could receive near-normal rainfall in December despite generally drier conditions expected across the country.
The outlook remains worrying going into the second half of the season.
Between January and March 2027, northern and eastern parts of Zimbabwe are expected to experience below-normal to normal rainfall, with continued dryness and rainfall amounts lower than long-term averages.
Southern and western areas are also expected to receive normal to below-normal rainfall.
The forecast has prompted Government to call on ministries, departments, agencies and other stakeholders to strengthen contingency planning against possible humanitarian and socio-economic impacts.
Cabinet also called for intensified water harvesting and conservation programmes as the country prepares for the possibility of reduced rainfall.
The Meteorological Services Department is expected to issue more detailed updates on the 2026/27 summer season as the El Niño phenomenon develops.
