eBusiness Weekly
Economy Uncensored with Tapiwanashe Mangwiro
El Niño, the climatic phenomenon notorious for wreaking havoc on weather patterns worldwide, has recently taken an unexpected turn, offering a glimmer of hope rather than the feared catastrophe.
In a surprising twist, some regions experienced more rainfall than initially anticipated, prompting a strategic response from the Government to safeguard agricultural interests.
As meteorologists initially predicted a dry spell associated with El Niño, some areas found themselves receiving unexpectedly generous amounts of rain. This anomaly sparked cautious optimism among farmers, who, after facing the spectre of drought, were suddenly presented with an opportunity to salvage their crops.
In response to this unanticipated turn of events, the Government took a proactive stance, earmarking US$400,000 for cloud seeding operations. This move aimed to maximise the benefits of the surplus rainfall in Botswana and Zambia and secure a bountiful harvest, offering relief to the agricultural sector.
Cloud seeding, a weather modification technique involving the introduction of substances into clouds to stimulate precipitation, is a calculated intervention. By investing in such measures, the Government demonstrated its commitment to mitigating potential agricultural losses and fostering economic stability. The success of these efforts hinges on the delicate balance between enhancing rainfall and avoiding unintended consequences, but the decision underscores the gravity of the situation and the importance of securing the nation’s food supply.
A prosperous agricultural season holds the key to various economic prospects, creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond the fields.
The surplus harvest resulting from favourable weather conditions translates into increased food production, reducing the need for costly food imports. This not only bolsters national food security, but also saves significant foreign currency that would otherwise be spent on importing essential commodities.
Zimbabwe has seen its maize import bill jump by 213,93 percent in the eleven months to November 2023 according to the latest figures released by the Zimbabwe Statistics Agency (ZimStats).
The maize imports have increased as millers and stockfeed manufacturers are now allowed to import grain to cover the gap in their own requirements duty free.
Maize production for the 2021/22 season was at 1,56 million tonnes, 43 percent down from the previous season’s multi-year record of 2,72 million tonnes which explains much of the imports currently happening.
With the dry spell now looking less harmful, we might see less imports in 2024 than what happened in 2023 because the country might end up with excess supply of maize thereby reducing cost of food and stockfeed in the second half of the year.
The Government’s prudent approach in investing in cloud seeding reflects a commitment to not only sustaining the agricultural sector but also safeguarding the nation’s economic interests. Economic implications of a successful agrarian season extend beyond merely saving foreign currency. The increased production of crops leads to a surplus in the domestic market, driving down prices and making essential goods more affordable for the average citizen.
This, in turn, stimulates consumer spending, fostering economic growth from the ground up. Additionally, a thriving agricultural sector generates employment opportunities, supporting livelihoods in rural areas and contributing to poverty alleviation.
As Zimbabwe charts its economic trajectory for 2024, the unexpected turn of weather events prompts a reassessment of growth targets. Initial projections from reputable institutions such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), along with the Government of Zimbabwe, indicated a conservative 3,5 percent GDP growth. However, the unexpected rainfall and the subsequent government intervention create a potential for an upward revision of these growth targets.
The synergy between climate, agriculture, and the economy underscores the interconnectedness of these complex systems. A robust agricultural sector not only serves as a buffer against food shortages, but also as an engine for broader economic development.
As the nation reaps the benefits of a successful cloud seeding initiative, the positive effects are likely to reverberate across various sectors, contributing to a more resilient and dynamic economy.
The proactive response to the unexpected turn of weather events exemplifies the importance of adaptive governance. In the face of climate uncertainties, governments must be agile in their strategies, ready to embrace innovative solutions to safeguard their nations’ well-being. The cloud seeding initiative, while a calculated risk, demonstrates the government’s commitment to ensuring food security and economic stability, even in the face of climatic challenges.
In conclusion, El Niño, once perceived as a harbinger of drought and agricultural distress, has taken an unexpected turn, presenting an opportunity for Zimbabwe to salvage its crops.
The Government’s decisive move to invest in cloud seeding reflects a commitment to mitigating potential losses and fostering economic stability. A successful agrarian season not only saves foreign currency by reducing the need for food imports, but also holds the promise of stimulating economic growth and prompting an upward revision of GDP growth targets.
As the nation navigates the intricate web of climate, agriculture, and economics, proactive and adaptive governance becomes paramount for sustainable development.
Tapiwanashe Mangwiro is a resident economist with the Business Weekly and writes this in his own capacity. @willoe_tee on twitter and Tapiwanashe Willoe Mangwiro on LinkedIn
