The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has warned of an increased likelihood of below-normal rainfall across Zimbabwe and several other countries in the region during the 2026/2027 rainfall season. The anticipated conditions could place additional pressure on agricultural production, household food security, water availability and livelihoods, particularly among vulnerable communities.
In response to these projections, Development Aid from People to People (DAPP) Zimbabwe has launched a seven-month El Niño 2026/2027 Drought Preparedness Project in Epworth District, Harare Metropolitan Province, targeting 11,880 people across all seven wards.
Running from October 2026 to April 2027, the project aims to strengthen community resilience and preparedness against anticipated drought conditions, water shortages, food insecurity and associated public health risks.
The initiative comes at a critical time as Zimbabwe prepares for a potentially challenging agricultural season. According to the 2026/2027 National Climate Outlook released by the Meteorological Services Department (MSD), the rainfall season is expected to be influenced by an El Niño phase, increasing the likelihood of below-normal rainfall, an erratic start to the rainy season, prolonged dry spells and warmer-than-normal temperatures across much of the country.
The regional outlook issued by SADC through its 33rd Southern Africa Regional Climate Outlook Forum (SARCOF-33) also identifies an increased likelihood of below-normal rainfall across much of Southern Africa, including Zimbabwe, during the October–December 2026 period, with dry conditions expected to persist in several areas into early 2027.
"Drought preparedness should begin before communities experience the full impact of a disaster. Through this project, we want to strengthen the capacity of households and communities to anticipate climate-related risks, protect their livelihoods and take practical action to safeguard their food and water security. Our approach recognises that building resilience requires working together with communities, government institutions and other development partners," said DAPP Zimbabwe Country Director, Mr Luckson Soda.
The project will adopt an integrated humanitarian and development approach, focusing on three interconnected areas: community disaster preparedness, access to safe and reliable water, and food security and household livelihoods.
Under the disaster preparedness component, DAPP Zimbabwe will establish and strengthen community-based disaster preparedness structures to improve local coordination, risk awareness, early action and emergency response. These structures will help communities identify potential risks, strengthen preparedness measures and coordinate responses to climate-related emergencies.
To address water insecurity, the project will support the drilling of new boreholes, rehabilitation of existing non-functional boreholes, development of piped water systems and establishment of water receiving stations. These interventions are intended to improve access to safe and reliable water for households and communities, particularly during periods of prolonged dry spells and water shortages.
Recognising that drought affects more than agricultural production, the project will also support vulnerable households to strengthen food security and diversify livelihood opportunities. This component will focus on improving households' capacity to cope with climate-related shocks, protect their livelihoods and reduce their vulnerability to food insecurity.
As Zimbabwe faces increasing climate-related challenges, initiatives that prioritise early action, community participation and integrated resilience-building are essential to protecting lives and livelihoods. Through this intervention, DAPP Zimbabwe seeks to support communities in Epworth to prepare for anticipated climate shocks, strengthen their coping capacities and build a more resilient future.