Government has warned of another difficult farming season, with a very strong El Niño expected to bring below-normal rainfall, frequent dry spells and hotter than usual temperatures from October 2026 to March 2027.

The warning comes as the country continues to recover from the devastating 2023/24 El Niño drought.

The El Nino caused widespread crop failure, water shortages and livestock deaths and prompted government to declare a national disaster in April 2024.

Briefing the media after Cabinet on Tuesday, Information Minister Zhemu Soda said Cabinet had received the 2026/27 Seasonal Rainfall Outlook from Environment, Climate and Wildlife Minister Evelyn Ndlovu.

“The 2026/2027 rainfall season is expected to be influenced by a very strong El Niño, which increases the likelihood of a below-normal rainfall season,” Soda said.

The outlook, covering October 2026 to March 2027, was developed following the 33rd Southern African Regional Climate Outlook Forum held in Swakopmund, Namibia, from 25 to 28 August.

Below-normal rainfall is forecast for October to December 2026 across most of the country.

Some districts in Matabeleland South and Masvingo are however expected to receive near-normal rainfall in December.

From January to March 2027, northern and eastern areas are forecast to receive below-normal to normal rainfall.

Meanwhile southern and western areas are expected to receive normal to below-normal rainfall.

Government warned that even in areas where rainfall totals fall within the normal range, distribution is likely to be poor.