ZIMSPHERE
HARARE—The United Nations has issued a fervent plea for international assistance as Zimbabwe grapples with a severe drought induced by the El Niño phenomenon, imperiling 7.6 million people with acute hunger.
The 2023-2024 summer season in Zimbabwe has been marred by erratic rainfall patterns and prolonged dry spells during the crucial planting period.
This climate anomaly has resulted in inadequate precipitation and above-average temperatures, leaving vast swathes of the nation parched.
The drought's repercussions have rippled through Zimbabwe's economy, compelling the government to slash growth projections. Concurrently, the country is contending with critical water shortages, and over 22% of school-aged children are out of school due to the economic and social ramifications of the drought.
Reena Ghelani, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and Climate Crisis Coordinator for El Niño – La Niña, along with Valerie Guarnieri, Assistant Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP), and Edward Kallon, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Zimbabwe, have underscored the urgent need for support. This call was made following their week-long drought-assessment mission in Zimbabwe.
“It’s tragic. Families have harvested nothing at all, and their food stocks are empty. Families are now making survival decisions as the situation continues to worsen,” said Guarnieri.
During their mission, the delegation conferred with senior government officials, including Vice President Constantino Chiwenga and Minister of Local Government and Public Works Daniel Garwe, as well as members of the National Drought Response Inter-Cabinet Ministers, the Department of Civil Protection, local authorities, humanitarian workers, and affected communities.
Their visit to Matobo District in Bulawayo and Umguza District in Matabeleland Province provided a stark view of the drought’s impact.
They observed efforts to support climate-smart agriculture, provide alternative urban incomes, and prevent gender-based violence against women and girls.
Reena Ghelani remarked, “The people we’ve met in Zimbabwe are facing a historic drought and need urgent support now.
“Moreover, Southern Africa may face extreme droughts like this one every decade: we need support for the medium term so that communities are not vulnerable to future shocks.”
Current estimates indicate that 5.9 million people in rural areas and 1.7 million in urban areas may encounter acute hunger during the forthcoming lean period, extending until the next harvest in April 2025.
The UN-coordinated Drought Flash Appeal for Zimbabwe, which mobilizes over 60 organizations to supplement national efforts, seeks $429 million to assist 3.1 million people this year.
However, it is currently only about 20% funded.
Kallon stated, “Thanks to early funding from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund, the African Risk Capacity, and other partners, the UN and our partners have been able to initiate anticipatory action and early response activities to mitigate the worst impacts of the drought.”
He added, “Now we need to scale up the response to ensure that no one dies of hunger and that children remain in school.”
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