Malawi and Zimbabwe farmers warned of planting risks amid weather forecasts

Agricultural authorities in Malawi and Zimbabwe are issuing warnings to farmers regarding the 2026/27 growing season due to unfavorable weather forecasts and premature planting risks.

In Malawi, some farmers in regions including Blantyre, Machinga, and Ntcheu have begun planting maize ahead of the official rainy season. Agricultural officials warn that these crops are at high risk of failure due to current hot weather and anticipated dry spells. The Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services expects the rainy season to begin in the second week of November for some areas and December for others.

In Zimbabwe, Agriculture Minister Anxious Masuka has urged farmers in the Matabeleland region to prioritize drought-resilient traditional grains such as sorghum, pearl millet, and finger millet. This recommendation follows forecasts of below-normal rainfall. The government is targeting three million rural beneficiaries through the Presidential Input Scheme to bolster food security, encouraging households to plant traditional grains alongside maize to mitigate the impact of potential moisture stress.