Zimbabwe is currently facing its worst drought in four decades, with about half of the country’s population in urgent need of food and water, according to the U.N. humanitarian agency. The agency has launched an appeal for $430 million to assist the 7.6 million people who require lifesaving humanitarian aid. The drought, induced by the El Nino weather phenomenon, has left both people and animals desperate for food and water, with Zimbabwe being one of the hardest hit countries in southern Africa.
Harvests for staple crops like corn in Zimbabwe for the upcoming season are estimated to be 70% lower than last season, leaving a significant gap in meeting the country’s annual demand for food. The U.N. appeal aims to provide assistance ranging from food aid to cash transfers and the construction of solar-powered boreholes for drinking water. Livestock, such as cattle, are also suffering due to the lack of food and water, which is crucial for both food security and labor in Zimbabwe.
The El Nino weather phenomenon has caused below-average rainfall in southern Africa, leading to some of the hottest days in decades and devastating floods in some areas. This has had a severe impact on livelihoods, especially for those who rely on farming for survival in the region. More than 60% of Zimbabwe’s population live in rural areas and grow their own food, making them particularly vulnerable to food shortages and economic hardships.
Children under the age of 5 and pregnant or breastfeeding women are at higher risk during the drought, with increased chances of gender-based violence and exploitation. In patriarchal societies like Zimbabwe, young girls are often tasked with fetching water from long distances, putting them at risk of harm. The U.N. agency warns that close to 2 million children in Zimbabwe may be forced to drop out of school due to the impacts of the drought, posing long-term challenges for the country’s development.
The drought in Zimbabwe could also lead to an outbreak of cholera due to unsafe hygiene practices, such as lack of hand washing and drinking from polluted water sources. Immediate action is required to prevent further loss of life and livelihoods in the coming months, as the situation continues to worsen. With a significant portion of the population living in rural areas and relying on agriculture for their survival, the impact of the drought is far-reaching and requires urgent attention and support from the international community.
