ZIMBABWE’S 2026 harvest is improving food availability after a difficult lean season, but rising prices, low incomes and below-average yields in some areas mean many households may still struggle to afford food, according to a new report by the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (Fews Net).
The Fews Net Food Security Outlook Update notes that harvesting that began in April is gradually improving household food access, dietary diversity and consumption across much of the country.
In Zimbabwe, major summer harvests occur from April to June, while a record winter wheat harvest is anticipated following the 2025 success.
The primary season, crucial for staples, runs from April through June, with green harvests happening earlier, from February to March.
However, harvesting starting in April this year is expected to provide Stressed (IPC Phase 2) conditions in deficit areas, with Minimal (IPC Phase 1) conditions in surplus areas.
Key crops include maize, tobacco, cotton and wheat.
Food production has also been augmented by climate-proofing initiatives such as the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme.
According to the Food Security Outlook Update, the 2026 harvests that started in April are expected to improve household food access and ease pressure across much of the country.
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“The harvests are progressively improving household food availability, access, dietary diversity and consumption, bringing relief to many rural and some urban households following the end of the 2025-26 peak lean season in March,” the report read.
Fews Net said the gains were expected to be short-lived in some areas due to poor crop performance caused by erratic weather.
“Below-average harvests in some areas affected by excessive rainfall and a prolonged dry spell during the 2025-26 agricultural season will likely result in affected households depleting their own-produced food stocks atypically early and increased reliance on other food sources, including market purchases.
“Minimal outcomes are expected in typical surplus-producing areas through at least September as households meet their food and non-food needs,” their report read.
The organisation also noted that the shift came at a time when the cost of living continues to rise.
“Prices of basic food, other goods and services are likely to increase through September due to higher fuel and fertiliser prices. This will further reduce poor households' access to food and non-food needs in both rural and urban areas,” the report said.
Rising fuel prices are already driving up transport costs, with fares now 50-100% higher than in February, placing increased financial strain on both rural and urban households.
The report also noted that despite the rising prices of basic commodities and fuel, incomes remained low.
“Some typical household income sources are expected at below-average levels through at least September, including crop sales in areas affected by excessive rainfall and dry spells,” the report read.
Fews Net also highlighted that tobacco farmers are earning less, with prices around 20% below last year, further limiting household income.
“Seasonal cash and in-kind casual labour opportunities are also likely to decline in areas with reduced crop production,” the report read.
Most deficit-producing areas are expected to remain in IPC Phase 2 conditions through September, where households can meet basic food needs but struggle to afford essentials like transport, healthcare and education.
Fews Net further noted that urban households are also under pressure due to high living costs.
“High costs associated with housing, transport and utilities will constrain purchasing power,” the report read.
While the harvest has improved food availability, Fews Net warns that rising prices and weak incomes mean many Zimbabweans may still struggle to translate production gains into real food security.
