United States to provide $62 million to Zimbabwe for drought relief

ZIMSPHERE 

HARARE – The United States government will provide $62 million to Zimbabwe to help mitigate the effects of the El Niño-induced drought, newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Pamela Tremont, announced Thursday.

In her first press conference, Ambassador Tremont outlined the additional funds aimed at responding to the urgent needs of the Zimbabwean people during the ongoing drought. 

This new funding brings the total USAID assistance in 2024 to nearly $62 million, supporting food security and addressing the adverse effects of the drought.

"The El Niño has made farming hard this year. I am pleased to announce that in 2024, the American people will provide $62 million to the people of Zimbabwe to counter the effects of the current drought in Zimbabwe," she stated. 

"This funding includes $39 million in new money that will address short-term food security and long-term strategies to improve agricultural practices and strengthen community resilience." 

The El Niño weather pattern has exacerbated the drought in Zimbabwe, resulting in below-average rainfall during the recent agricultural season. 

Consequently, farmers have lost around 70% of their crops. The Zimbabwean government and the United Nations estimate that 6 million people will require food assistance in the coming months.

"El Niño weather patterns are causing a historic drought throughout southern Africa, including in Zimbabwe, driving higher than average levels of food insecurity and disrupting agricultural production and livelihoods," said Ambassador Tremont.

The $62 million in USAID funding will provide critical support to the people of Zimbabwe. Humanitarian partners will use the funds to distribute food assistance to over 500,000 people during the upcoming lean season, when food is scarce. 

Additionally, the funds will be used to provide agricultural supplies and livestock to households whose livelihoods have been affected by the drought, and to improve access to water for both agriculture and consumption.

"Through this support from USAID, humanitarian partners will provide over 500,000 people with food assistance during the upcoming lean season; distribute agricultural supplies and livestock to households whose livelihoods have been affected by the drought; and improve access to water for agriculture and consumption," reiterated Ambassador Tremont.

The ambassador also expressed hope that the United States and Zimbabwe would collaborate to enhance the country's investment climate and attract investors, which could bolster Zimbabwe's long-term resilience to climate change.