ZIMBABWE’S FOOD CRISIS: WHAT WENT WRONG

Zimbabwe was once known for being food secure. When it was still colonial Rhodesia, ruled by settlers, the country not only fed its people but also exported food. But now, the situation is very different. Zimbabwe faces a serious food crisis, and this has been the case for years. The reason behind this is not a mystery. It is clear that the root cause of the country’s problems is the ruling party, ZANU PF, which has been in power for over four decades.

ZANU PF has been in control since Zimbabwe gained independence. However, instead of governing properly, the party has been accused of causing more harm than good. Many people believe that the current government is more interested in staying in power than in taking care of the country. As a result, the country has become weak, and its economy has collapsed. This has led to food shortages, and many people are struggling to survive.

If Zimbabwe had been a true democracy from the start, with fair representation for everyone, things might have been different. Rhodesia, while not a fair system, had a stable food production system. But after independence, the new government failed to build on that. Instead, the ruling party focused on power and control, which has led to corruption, poor leadership, and mismanagement of resources. These problems have contributed to the country’s current state of food insecurity.

ZANU PF’s rule has been marked by many issues. One of the main problems is that the party does not follow the law. The government often ignores or changes the country’s constitution to suit its own needs. This has made it difficult for people to trust the system or hold the government accountable. Instead of appointing qualified people to run the country’s institutions, the government chooses people based on loyalty to the party. These people are often not fit for the job, and this has led to poor decision-making, especially in the agricultural sector, which is vital for food security.

Without proper laws and policies in place, farmers do not have the protection they need. This has discouraged many people from investing in agriculture. When land is taken without proper legal processes, it creates uncertainty. Farmers are afraid to invest in new technologies or practices that could improve food production. This has resulted in low productivity, which means less food is available for the people.

The government’s poor policies have also affected the country’s ability to trade. Instead of exporting food like it used to, Zimbabwe now has to import food to meet the needs of its population. This has caused prices to rise, making it harder for people to afford basic food items. Many families go to bed hungry, and the country is constantly at risk of famine. The situation has also forced many people to leave Zimbabwe in search of better opportunities in other countries.

ZANU PF’s focus on power has not only hurt the economy but has also weakened the country’s ability to address its food crisis. Because the government does not want to be held accountable, it has failed to put in place the right policies to help farmers grow more food. Instead, it continues to prioritize its own survival over the well-being of the people.

The food crisis in Zimbabwe is not just an economic problem; it is a political one. As long as the government continues to ignore the needs of the people, the country will remain in this situation. There is a need for real change in the way the country is governed. People need to be appointed to positions of power based on merit, not loyalty. Laws need to be followed, and property rights need to be respected so that farmers can invest in their land and improve food production.

If these changes do not happen, Zimbabwe will continue to struggle with food insecurity. The country is at risk of facing even bigger problems in the future, including widespread famine. The people of Zimbabwe deserve better. They deserve a government that puts their needs first, ensures that food is available for everyone, and creates a system that encourages growth and stability.