Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is a landlocked country located in southern Africa, bordered by Zambia to the north, Mozambique to the east, South Africa to the south, and Botswana to the west. Covering an area of approximately 390,800 square kilometers, the country is characterized by a diverse landscape of high plateaus, mountain ranges, river valleys, and lowland plains. Much of Zimbabwe lies on a central plateau known as the Highveld, which extends across the country at elevations generally ranging between 1,200 and 1,500 meters above sea level. This elevated terrain contributes to a relatively moderate climate compared to many other tropical regions of Africa.

The country's topography is divided into several major regions. The Highveld forms the central core and contains many of Zimbabwe’s largest cities and most productive agricultural areas. To the east, the Eastern Highlands rise along the border with Mozambique and include mountainous landscapes with peaks exceeding 2,500 meters. These highlands receive higher rainfall than most other parts of the country and support diverse ecosystems and intensive agriculture. The Middleveld and Lowveld occupy lower elevations to the north and south, where temperatures are generally higher and rainfall is less abundant.

Zimbabwe has a tropical climate moderated by altitude. The rainy season typically occurs from November to March, while the dry season extends from April to October. Annual rainfall varies significantly across the country, ranging from over 1,500 millimeters in the Eastern Highlands to less than 500 millimeters in the southern Lowveld. This variation strongly influences agricultural productivity and land-use patterns. Major rivers, including the Zambezi, Limpopo, Save, and Runde, provide important water resources for irrigation, hydropower generation, and domestic use. Lake Kariba, located on the Zambezi River, is one of the largest artificial reservoirs in the world and plays a significant role in energy production and fisheries.

Agriculture has historically been one of the most important sectors of Zimbabwe’s economy and remains a major source of employment, income, and food security. The country's agricultural systems benefit from relatively fertile soils, extensive arable land, and favorable climatic conditions in many regions. However, agricultural production is highly dependent on rainfall and is therefore vulnerable to droughts and climatic variability.

The principal food crops cultivated in Zimbabwe include maize, sorghum, millet, groundnuts, beans, and sweet potatoes. Maize is the dominant staple crop and is grown throughout much of the country, particularly in regions with adequate rainfall. In drier areas, small grains such as sorghum and millet are often preferred because of their greater tolerance to water scarcity. Wheat is also produced, primarily under irrigation during the cooler winter season.

Commercial agriculture plays a significant role in the national economy. Tobacco is Zimbabwe’s most important export crop and contributes substantially to foreign exchange earnings. Other major cash crops include cotton, sugarcane, tea, coffee, and horticultural products such as flowers and vegetables. Tobacco production is concentrated in the central and northern regions, where climatic conditions and soils are particularly suitable. Sugarcane is cultivated mainly in the irrigated lowlands of the southeast, while tea and coffee are produced in the wetter Eastern Highlands.

Livestock farming is another important component of the agricultural sector. Cattle are widely raised across the country and are valued for meat production, milk, draught power, and cultural significance. Goats, sheep, pigs, and poultry are also commonly kept by both commercial and smallholder farmers. In many rural areas, mixed farming systems integrate crop cultivation and livestock production, helping to diversify income sources and improve resilience.

Despite its considerable agricultural potential, Zimbabwe faces several challenges. These include recurrent droughts, soil erosion, land degradation, limited access to agricultural inputs, and the impacts of climate change. Economic instability and infrastructure constraints have also affected agricultural productivity in recent decades. Water scarcity in some regions has increased the importance of irrigation and sustainable water management practices.

Efforts to strengthen the agricultural sector have focused on improving irrigation systems, promoting drought-tolerant crop varieties, enhancing soil conservation measures, and supporting agricultural extension services. Climate-smart agricultural practices are increasingly being encouraged to improve resilience to changing environmental conditions and to ensure long-term food security.

The relationship between geography and agriculture in Zimbabwe is both direct and significant. Variations in altitude, rainfall, soil quality, and water availability determine the distribution of agricultural activities across the country. Fertile highland regions support intensive crop production, while drier lowland areas are more suited to livestock grazing and drought-resistant crops. Consequently, geography plays a fundamental role in shaping agricultural systems, rural livelihoods, and economic development in Zimbabwe.

Gerold first visited Zimbabwe in 1989 with Gundi and Michael. Arriving in Harare from Lilongwe, he was struck by how modern and vibrant the city was. After preparing in Harare, they traveled to Mana Pools and Hwange National Parks. Mana Pools, on the Zambezi River, left the strongest impression: they camped in the wilderness, walked freely among wildlife, fished from the shore and canoes, and experienced unforgettable encounters with elephants, lions, hyenas, crocodiles, hippos, and antelopes. A bathtub overlooking the Zambezi and the hills of Zambia was a particular highlight. Beyond the parks, Gerold admired Zimbabwe’s beautiful landscapes, welcoming people, and the country’s prosperity and well-protected natural heritage.

When he returned in 2009 with fellow student Heiner Rahlfs, he found a very different Zimbabwe. While the landscapes and people remained remarkable, years of mismanagement, hyperinflation, and deteriorating infrastructure had severely damaged the country. During visits to Hwange, Matopos, and Victoria Falls, the lack of tourists was striking. In Bulawayo, he spent a week with the ICRISAT project on small-scale goat production, observing the impacts of land reform, agricultural decline, and recurring droughts.

Gerold visited again in 2011, spending two days at the Africa Centre for Holistic Management in Dimbangombe near Victoria Falls. He noted the continued decline of infrastructure, although the adoption of the US dollar had improved food availability. In 2012, he made two further trips to Bulawayo, Matopos Research Station, and Dimbangombe to support the development of a major African project, combining the visits with time in Botswana. Finally, in 2014, he traveled with Klaudi from Kasane, Botswana, to Victoria Falls. He was pleased to see the town thriving again thanks to tourism and was particularly impressed by the historic Victoria Falls Hotel, whose colonial-era charm left a lasting impression.