Staff Reporter
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has issued a call for US$430 million in aid to support Zimbabwe as it faces a severe drought triggered by the El Niño weather phenomenon.
The U.N. Resident Humanitarian Coordinator, Edward Matthew Kallon, emphasised the urgency of the appeal, noting that the funds are critical to assisting people in the hardest-hit districts.
According to Kallon, the UN plans to implement a variety of assistance measures, including food aid, cash transfers, and the construction of solar-powered boreholes.
These initiatives aim to provide vital drinking water for both people and livestock, to address the immediate need prompted by the drought.
However, in response to the worsening drought conditions in the country, Government has announced plans to increase wheat cultivation from 91 000 hectares to 120 000 hectares (ha).
This expansion aims to produce 600 000 metric tonnes of wheat to counteract the drought's effects.
Regions across the country, including Manicaland, Mashonaland Central, and the Midlands, have set specific targets for wheat cultivation, reflecting a nationwide effort to bolster food security.
Additionally, to manage the shortfall caused by the El Niño-induced drought, Government has imported 410 667 metric tonnes of maize valued at US$128 million in the past three months.
The Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) also committed to importing one million metric tonnes of maize by March 2025 to prevent drought-induced hunger.
As part of its strategy to alleviate the impact of drought, Government has approved a duty waiver on the importation of essential agricultural inputs such as rice, potato seed, and genetically modified maize for livestock feed. This move is intended to ensure fair distribution and efficient use of these resources under strict supervision.
Meanwhile, the combined efforts of the UN’s appeal and the Government's proactive measures highlight a comprehensive approach to addressing both the immediate and long-term challenges posed by this severe climatic event.
