Looming fertiliser crisis threatens agriculture

By Tererai Karimakwenda
23 August 2005

The Zimonline news site reports that Zimbabwe 's biggest fertilizer manufacturer could close down in two weeks time because of foreign currency shortages. This is very disturbing news in a country whose agricultural output was drastically reduced by the illegal seizure of commercial farms. According to Zimonline, Andy Humphreys, managing director of Windmill, said the fertilizer maker had only two weeks supply of imported raw materials in stock and would have to close shop once supplies are exhausted.

The lack of inputs due to shortages of foreign currency has been a problem for years, but forex shortages are now severe, and much of it is being used to import fuel. Windmill is said to require at least US$6 million to import raw materials and avoid shutting down. Seed companies faced this same situation just weeks ago when they announced there was a shortage.

The government has been negotiating with South Africa for a loan, part of which would be used to import fertilizer and other farm inputs. But this alone would not solve the agricultural crisis Zimbabwe faces. In its fast track land reform programme, the government settled people on the commercial farms who know nothing about agriculture. This has also reduced production as they do not even grow enough to feed themselves.

Chiredzi farmer Gerry Whitehead has managed many properties in the lowveld area of Zimbabwe. He said without fertiliser we would see a 50%-60% reduction in production. Asked about the A2 settlers and their knowledge of farming, Whitehead said they were terrible farmers. Most of them do not use fertiliser and do not grow enough even when they have irrigation systems.
The government always blames the agricultural crisis on the drought, but Whitehead said 2 years ago during our worst drought, we produced 1.8 million tonnes of maize. He said there is no excuse because the dams are always at least 50% full.