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Zimbabwe: Whither Global Food Crisis
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 Published by the government of Zimbabwe |
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The Herald (Harare)
17 April 2008
Posted to the web 17 April 2008
Harare
Escalating global food prices and the resultant riots and consumers outcry that have become commonplace in such countries as the United States, Cameroon, Senegal and Burkina Faso make sad reading.
Food supplies have been outstripped by demand hence the high prices, particularly for cereals and grains. Oil prices have also not been outdone, with a barrel now fetching an average US$112 from about US$100 at the beginning of the year. This has the effect of further raising prices of food and other goods.
Those countries with good harvests are not exporting to avoid riots in their countries, causing severe shortages.
Closer to home, consumers in Botswana and South Africa are beginning to raise their voices as the world food crisis begins to reflect in unprecedented price reviews of most basic goods.
Of course in this country, the few products available on the local market are selling at prices beyond the reach of many. The fact that some, if not most of our foodstuffs are imported from neighbouring countries can only mean that steeper price reviews are on the way.
Cross-border traders in particular, who are importing groceries for resale here, will soon be charging higher figures. This, coupled with the already rising cost of living, means prices, for now, will only be heading one way.
This will naturally have a negative effect on the country's agro-based economy. Food inflation accounts for a third of the consumer price index.
At around this time of the year (harvesting period) Zimbabwe normally does not worry a lot about food stocks but the trend in recent years where output has generally been declining compels us to press the panic button.
The effects of drought and land under-utilisation in some instances have put paid to initiatives for Zimbabwe to be self-sufficient.
It is not yet very clear as regards the quantum of harvest for the 2007/2008 season but indications are that silos may not be as full as had been anticipated. The floods and constraints such as late deliver of fertilisers may have taken their toll on yields.
This means that as a country, we may have to import some of the food, albeit at much higher prices than before, to keep us going.
This state of affairs demands a self-introspection on the farmer who could have produced more had he planned properly, barring natural constraints such as drought or flooding. It should worry those from the Ministry of Agriculture and like ministries who could have fared better in ensuring timeous delivery of seed, fertiliser and other inputs.
Strategies will need to be sought on how the effects of low harvests at home and rising global food prices should be ameliorated.
In terms of its agricultural policy, Zimbabwe is on the right track but what is required now is effective implementation that will bring results to the table.
Vice-president of the UN International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Mr Kanayo Nwanze recently said investment in agriculture and rural development were the most effective strategies to boost economic growth on the continent.
"Rapid agricultural and rural development holds the key to eliminating poverty in Africa. A concerted, coordinated and collective effort is the most effective way to tackle the triple scourge of poverty, climate change and high food prices and to guarantee a sustainable future for women, marginalised groups and smallholder farmers in Africa," he said addressing a meeting of African Union and the UN Economic Commission for Africa delegates in Addis Ababa.
In terms of investments in agriculture, Zimbabwe is not found wanting. Already the country has launched three phases of the agriculture mechanisation programme that has seen farmers accessing tractors, combine harvesters, scotch carts, generators, motorbikes, boom sprayers, planters, among other implements in a bid to fully equip farmers. Thousands of farmers, both A1 and A2 have so far benefited and more implements are on the way. In this instance the Government, through the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, has done its part. What is now required is for the farmer to meet his end of the bargain and put the implements to good use. A story is told of a farmer in Rusape who would spend the day by the road side selling a few maize cobs with his newly acquired tractor by his side as a show-off to passers-by.
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Someone needed to tell him that he would naturally score better and show-off in a more sophisticated manner through increased production to cushion his family and the nation at large against the ravaging effects of the global food crisis.
According to IFAD, the proportion of people in sub-Saharan Africa living in extreme poverty remains above 40 percent. In addition, while the proportion of undernourished people in Africa decreased between 1990 and 2000 -- from 29 percent to 27 percent -- the absolute number of undernourished people rose by about 20 percent -- from 174 million to 212 million -- during the same period.
These are sobering statistics which should compel or in the agricultural chain to perform better. Zimbabwe has potential to regain its breadbasket status and that should come sooner rather than later.
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