Zimbabwe is divided into five Natural Regions (NR I-V) based on rainfall, temperature, and soil type. Understanding which region your farm falls in is essential for making the right crop and management decisions.
Natural Region I – Specialised and Diversified Farming
Rainfall: Over 1,000mm per year
Location: Eastern Highlands (Nyanga, Chimanimani, Vumba)
Suitable Crops: Tea, coffee, macadamia, forestry, dairy, intensive livestock, horticulture
This is Zimbabwe’s highest rainfall zone with cool temperatures, ideal for speciality crops and intensive farming.
Natural Region II – Intensive Farming
Rainfall: 750-1,000mm per year
Location: Mashonaland provinces, parts of Manicaland
Suitable Crops: Maize, tobacco, soya beans, wheat (irrigated), horticulture, intensive livestock
This is Zimbabwe’s most productive farming region, supporting most commercial agriculture.
Natural Region III – Semi-Intensive Farming
Rainfall: 650-800mm per year (less reliable)
Location: Midlands, parts of Masvingo and Manicaland
Suitable Crops: Maize (medium-season varieties), groundnuts, cotton, sunflower, livestock
Mid-season droughts are common. Supplementary irrigation is highly beneficial.
Natural Region IV – Semi-Extensive Farming
Rainfall: 450-650mm per year (erratic)
Location: Southern and western lowveld, parts of Matabeleland
Suitable Crops: Sorghum, millet, drought-tolerant maize, livestock ranching, cotton
Rainfall is unreliable. Drought-tolerant crops and livestock are the safest enterprises.
Natural Region V – Extensive Farming
Rainfall: Below 450mm per year
Location: Lowveld (Chiredzi, Beitbridge, Hwange area)
Suitable Crops: Extensive cattle ranching, game farming, irrigated sugarcane (Lowveld estates)
Too dry for rain-fed cropping. Irrigation is essential for any crop production.
Not sure which Natural Region your farm is in? Contact us and we will help you identify your zone and recommend the best crops for your conditions.