Zimbabwe farmers bet on new crops as drought bites

Zimbabwean farmers are switching to drought-tolerant crops to protect their harvests as the country faces increasingly severe dry spells. The change is a direct response to repeated droughts that have damaged staple crops such as maize and left many families short of food. By planting varieties that need less water, farmers aim to keep producing food even in poor rainy seasons. The approach is seen as a way to build resilience, meaning the ability to withstand and recover from hard conditions. The shift marks a practical step by farmers to adapt to a changing climate and reduce their reliance on crops that struggle without steady rain.