Dams fill, farmers eye bumper harvest_
Improved dam inflows across Zimbabwe have sparked optimism among farmers, raising hopes for a bumper harvest and a boost to national food security.
Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) head of corporate communications, Mrs Marjorie Munyonga, said the country’s water security situation continues on a remarkably positive note as the current rainy season enters its second half.
“As of January 28, 2026, the national dam level average had risen to 90,2 percent, signalling a strong water security position, placing the country in better stead to meet both domestic and irrigation water requirements for the year.”
Most major dams are now full and spilling, including the country’s top two water bodies, Tugwi-Mukosi and Lake Mutirikwi, both in Masvingo Province. The number of dams that have filled up and are spilling is also on the rise, with key dams such as Mtshabezi — an essential water supply source for Bulawayo — having filled up as well. Other dams that have filled include Muzhwi, Khami, Silalabihwa, Exchange, Pollards, Ngwenya, Rusape, Masembura, Arcadia, Bubi-Lupane, Seke, Harava, Amapongokwe, Antelope, Bangala, Tokwane, Mushandike and Gwenoro.
Chivero Dam is still at 77,2 percent, Manyame Dam at 82,7 percent, Mazvikadei Dam at 65 percent, Mazowe Dam at 11,2 percent, Kushinga-Phikhelela at 57,3 percent, Mwenje Dam at 21,6 percent and Muchekeranwa at 97 percent.
Recently, the Zambezi River Authority indicated that Kariba has recorded marginal but steady increases in water levels, offering cautious optimism for hydropower generation prospects.
According to the ZRA, the improvement follows continued rainfall activity on and around the lake and its immediate catchment area. Although authorities have cautioned that overall stability rather than significant recovery is expected as the 2025/2026 rainy season progresses, the latest figures show that Lake Kariba’s water level has risen to 477,04 metres, up from 476,37 metres recorded during the same period last year. While this represents an improvement year-on-year, it remains significantly below levels recorded during historically strong hydrological seasons such as 2019, which the ZRA classified as a “good year” when the lake stood at 481,87 metres
In terms of usable water, live storage volume has increased to 6,88 billion cubic metres (BCM), a notable rise from 3,91 BCM recorded in 2025.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary, Professor Obert Jiri, said this season is showing strong signs of success, with crops and livestock countrywide reported to be in good to excellent condition, buoyed by favourable rains.
“We are receiving good rains that are improving our crops,” he said. “Indeed, we are heading for a bumper season. After our collective preparations, nature has also come to our side, as we are witnessing in the fields. Moreover, livestock body condition is improving across the country as animals continue to have access to lush rain-fed grazing, but monocalcium supplementation should be practised.”
The construction of dams in Zimbabwe is set to revolutionise the country’s agricultural landscape and boost economic growth and food security. With a focus on rural industrialisation, the Government is rapidly advancing the construction of 12 large dams aimed at irrigating at least 350 000 hectares. This initiative responds to the growing demand for increased crop production and is part of a broader strategy to empower smallholder farmers. By addressing critical water shortages, these projects are foundational to improving the lives of rural communities.
Among the completed projects are Tokwe-Mukosi, Machekeranwa, Marovanyati and Chivhu, all of which are already providing essential water and irrigation services to local communities. Currently, several key projects are under construction, including Kunzvi, Dande, Gwayi-Shangani, Mbada, Bindura, Defe, Tuli Manyange, Semwa and Vungu.
The Government has allocated a substantial budget of US$1,1 billion for high-impact dam construction, which is progressing steadily across the country. Notable projects include the Gwayi-Shangani Dam, designed to provide both irrigation and a reliable water supply for Bulawayo, a city facing significant water challenges. Similarly, the Kunzvi Dam will supply water to Harare and its surrounding areas.
*_Herald_*
