RAINS in March revived the condition of some crops across the country, following a prolonged dry spell from the end of January through February which caused severe moisture stress and some crop losses, a new report shows.
In its latest food security update, the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) noted that following the peak of the 2025/26 lean season in February/March, deficit-producing areas continue to face crisis outcomes.
This was due to depleted own-produced food stocks, high market prices, and below-average incomes.
“Following the prolonged dry spell from the end of January through February which caused severe moisture stress and some crop losses, rains in March revived the condition of some crops across the country,” FEWS NET said.
“However, persistent rains mainly in southern, eastern and north-eastern areas damaged some crops, for example through cob rot and sprouting of grains and pulses, reducing potential yields.
“The rains also increased road damage, negatively impacting transport services in many areas.”
This revival comes as the newly created Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development ministry reported an estimated 1,9 million hectares (ha) is planted with maize, 343 661ha (sorghum), 216 615ha (pearl millet) and 30 645ha (finger millet).
The government is targeting the production of 956 350 metric tonnes of winter cereals on 140 500ha.
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That is, 662 500 metric tonnes of winter wheat over a combined 125 000ha for all provinces, 50 000 metric tonnes of barley on 6 500ha, and 243 850 metric tonnes of Irish potato on 9 500ha
FEWS NET said surplus-producing areas remain stressed, with households minimally meeting their food needs but struggling to meet their non-food needs.
“While green harvests are slightly improving dietary diversity, they are not significant to change the current food security outcomes,” FEWS NET said.
“Near-average harvests expected in April/May are likely to improve household food security outcomes with households transitioning to Stressed (IPC Phase 2) in deficit-producing areas and Minimal (IPC Phase 1) in surplus-producing areas.
“Below-average harvests in some areas will likely result in affected households depleting their own produced stocks earlier than normal and starting to rely on the market earlier for staple cereals.”
Consequently, seasonal casual labour activities during the harvest in April and May and post-harvest period are likely to remain below average in most areas.
This is partly due to the impact of unfavourable rainfall distribution during the October 2025 to March 2026 rainy season, according to FEWS NET.
“However, above-average surface and groundwater levels will likely support post-harvest livelihood activities such as horticulture, brick making, and construction.
“Enhanced hay, fodder, and silage production, especially in typically drier southern areas, is expected to support supplementary livestock feeding and above-average livestock conditions.
“However, livestock diseases in localised areas, such as foot and mouth disease in some southern border districts, may affect livestock sales and incomes, especially for cattle.”
FEWS NET, however, was quick to note that the start of the 2026 tobacco marketing season in early March is expected to improve income opportunities for tobacco-producing households and others.
“However, prices are at least 20% lower than last year, according to the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board,” the leading provider of early warning and analysis on acute food insecurity around the world said.
“If prices remain lower, this will likely result in below-average incomes from tobacco sales and negatively affect income and access to food and non-food items in tobacco-producing areas.”
