Country profile

Zimbabwe is a low-income country with a subtropical climate. The economy and people’s livelihoods are closely linked to the agricultural sector, which accounts for 67 per cent of total employment. Approximately 80 per cent of agricultural production is rain-fed, and Zimbabwe is one of the most irrigation-dependent countries in southern Africa. In recent years, the country has also faced an economic crisis marked by high inflation, which has been compounded by the effects of COVID-19 on exports, tourism and manufacturing.

Zimbabwe is particularly prone to drought, floods and wildfires. Of these, floods and droughts, as well as cyclones, adversely affect food security and increase the likelihood of disease and pest outbreaks. Under a changing climate, rainfall patterns and seasons are expected to become more variable and erratic, which will make the largely rain-fed agricultural sector even more vulnerable.

Drought is the most common hazard, affecting the highest number of people and occurring most frequently in southern and western Zimbabwe. Drought has serious consequences in terms of water availability for the agricultural sector, as well as for domestic consumption and generating industrial power. As it affects crop production, drought also contributes to food security. Economic losses and other impacts of drought tend to last longer and be greater than those of other hazards.

Floods occur most frequently in low-lying areas, particularly in southern and northern Zimbabwe. They are often associated with cyclone paths. Storms that cause flooding, hail or strong winds also damage infrastructure, housing and crops, and can cause the loss of life and livestock. 

Zimbabwe activated its Early Action Protocol for Drought in September 2023.