Charles Dhewa, knowledge management specialist and Chief Executive Officer of Knowledge Transfer Africa (Pvt), has taken a look at the trends on Zimbabwe's informal agricultural markets, to garner better knowledge on how those in the industry are responding to the El Nino-induced drought in the country.
Following reduced rainfall in December 2015 and January 2016, there has been reduced planting of tomatoes. This has seen tomato prices in Mbare market shooting to a maximum of $8 per 8kg wooden box from the normal $3-$4 as of April 29, 2016.
However, farmers who planted tomatoes and other horticultural crops with late January, February and March rains are expecting good quality products. On the other hand, due to unpredictable weather forecasting, farmers have been caught off-guard by late rains that came in March and April which have triggered fungal diseases such as blight as well as fruit rot. This has also resulted in tomato shortages in the market, driving up prices.
To satisfy demand, some traders have started importing tomatoes from South Africa. Local production of cabbages and cucumbers has also been negatively affected by the El Nino, leading to reduced planting. Regarding onions, it looks like there have been fewer farmers willing to commit resources due to lack of capital and other challenges.
Water situation and market implications
As a result of the El Nino phenomenon, much of Zimbabwe received below normal rainfall this season. These shortages will be more notable in tomatoes and leafy vegetables while cabbage supply will be normal until August. September will see severe shortage of cabbages because leafy vegetables which often fill the demand gap will start dwindling as water sources such as weirs and wells run dry in most production areas.
