Zimbabwe Roundup: Food production, recruitment scams, water-sharing project

Cereal production and drought

Zimbabwe is facing a significant drop in cereal production due to a drought, leading to a projected deficit of 1.4 million tonnes. To address this challenge, the government is taking proactive measures, including partnering with donor agencies for food distribution and lifting bans on genetically modified maize imports. The private sector is also being urged to import grain to supplement local supplies, local news outlet Zawya reports.

Recruitment scams

The Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services has issued a warning to the public regarding recruitment scams by con artists posing as representatives of the organisation. They emphasise the importance of verifying official communication through recognised channels, such as the official Facebook and X accounts, and warn against engaging in any financial transactions related to the recruitment process. According to Chronicle, the organisation has also stated that it will prosecute individuals found defrauding people in its name.

Chinese-funded rabbit breeding program for farmers

Zimbabwean farmers are benefitting from a Chinese-funded rabbit breeding program aimed at boosting rabbit farming in the country. The program focuses on training, market access, and value addition, in response to the growing demand for rabbit meat in the country. The potential for exports to China is also being explored, presenting lucrative business opportunities for farmers, English News reports.

University of Zimbabwe National Cookout competition

The University of Zimbabwe is hosting a National Cookout Competition in the capital Harare, initiated by the First Lady Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa to showcase cultural diversity and celebrate diverse foods. The event aims to address food security issues in Africa and will feature local cuisines from different regions over two days, according to Chronicle.

Zimbabwe and South Africa sign water sharing agreement

Zimbabwe and South Africa have signed a water-sharing agreement to transfer treated water from Beitbridge, a province of Matabeleland South, Zimbabwe to Musina, a northernmost town in the Limpopo province of South Africa, addressing water supply challenges in the area. Sanews reports that the project is set to be completed in 2026 and will comply with South Africa's water quality standards. Both countries are committed to ensuring the success of the agreement, and interim measures are being implemented to address current water supply challenges in Musina.