June 16, 2004

Agro-climatic Zones in Zimbabwe

Table. 4. Agro-ecological zones of Zimbabwe and the recommended farming

systems in each zone (Vincent and Thomas, 1960).

Natural Area (km- Rainfall (mm Farming system

2
Region ) yr-1)
I 7 000 >1 000 Specialized and diversified
farming
II 58 600 750 – 1 000 Intensive farming
III 72 900 650 - 800 Semi-intensive farming
IV 147 800 450 - 650 Semi-extensive farming
V 104 400 <450 Extensive farming

Vincent and Thomas (1960) divided Zimbabwe into five main natural regions according to
differences in effective rainfall (Figure 2; Table 4). Rainfall patterns and crop production
progressively deteriorate from Region I to V.
Annual rainfall is highest in Natural region I which covers approximately 2% of the land
area. It is a specialized and diversified farming region with plantation forestry, fruit and
intensive livestock production. Tea, coffee and macadamia nuts are grown in frost-free
areas. Natural region II covering 15% of the land area, receives lower rainfall than region I,
nevertheless is suitable for intensive farming based on crops or livestock production.

Natural region III is a semi-intensive farming region covering 19% of Zimbabwe. Although
rainfall in this region is moderate in total amount, severe mid season dry spells make it
marginal for maize, tobacco and cotton, or for enterprises based on crop production alone.
The farming systems are therefore based on both livestock (assisted by the production of
fodder crops) and cash crops.

Natural region IV is a semi-extensive farming region covering about 38% of Zimbabwe.

Rainfall is low and periodic seasonal droughts and severe dry spells during the rainy season
are common. Crop production is therefore risky except in certain very favorable localities,
where limited drought resistant crops are grown as a sideline. The farming is based on
livestock and drought resistant fodder crops.

Natural region V is an extensive farming region covering about 27% of Zimbabwe. Rainfall
in this region is too low and erratic for the reliable production of even drought resistant
fodder and grain crops, and farming is based on grazing natural pasture. Extensive cattle or
game ranching is the only sound farming system for this region.