Don’t Panic, Be Ready: Zimbabwe’s El Nino Response | WATCH Prof. Dr. Obert Jiri | FACE THE NATION!

As Zimbabwe prepares for the 2026–2027 summer cropping season, the country is putting Early Warning–Early Action (EWEA) at the centre of its response to the forecast of a drier-than-normal season associated with El Nino. In this insightful edition of ZBC TV’s Face the Nation, Prof. Dr. Obert Jiri, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development, unpacks Zimbabwe’s preparedness measures and explains why early information must translate into early, practical action. Prof. Dr. Jiri outlines the Government’s six-pillar drought preparedness plan, covering: 🌾 Strategic Grain Reserves – strengthening national and household food reserves while reducing food losses and waste. 🌱 Climate-Smart Production – adapting cropping decisions to localised rainfall forecasts, promoting appropriate crops, strengthening Pfumvudza and expanding irrigation. 💰 Agricultural Financing – mobilising financing for Pfumvudza, commercial agriculture, irrigation and private-sector-led production. 🐄 Livestock Drought Mitigation – securing water, feed and animal health, while protecting livestock livelihoods through early interventions. 🌽 Enhanced Grain Imports & Market Support – ensuring grain availability while encouraging local production and stronger linkages between industry and farmers. 🤝 Implementation, Coordination & Capacity Building – bringing Government, the private sector and other stakeholders together to ensure that preparedness plans translate into action on the ground. The interview also highlights the importance of district-level and localised agricultural information, helping farmers understand what to grow, when to plant and how to produce according to the expected conditions. For farmers, the message is clear: El Nino is a warning to prepare, not a reason to panic. Early Warning must lead to Early Action — from choosing drought-tolerant crops and conserving soil moisture to managing irrigation water, securing livestock feed and strengthening household food reserves. Zimbabwe’s approach is about building resilience, protecting livelihoods and safeguarding national food security through planning, preparedness, coordination and timely action. 🎥 Watch the full interview and hear directly from Prof. Dr. Obert Jiri on how Zimbabwe is preparing for the season ahead. #ElNino #EarlyWarningEarlyAction #EWEA #FoodSecurity #Pfumvudza #ClimateSmartAgriculture #ZimbabweAgriculture #DroughtPreparedness #AgriculturalResilience