Staff Reporter
As the world commemorates the World Food Day, the government, alongside international development partners, has intensified its efforts to combat food insecurity and support vulnerable communities.
The prolonged drought, exacerbated by changing weather patterns linked to El Niño, has led to widespread crop failures, water shortages, and significant food shortages across the country.
During a post cabinet brief, government announced series of initiatives aimed at mitigating the crisis, scaling up emergency food aid, enhancing irrigation systems, and introducing drought-resistant crops to improve food security in affected areas.
“A total of 5.9 million (translating to 63% of the target) plots have been prepared under Pfumvudza/Intwasa Presidential Agricultural Climate-Proofing Input Scheme by 64% of the targeted farmers. To date, over 40000MT of basal fertilizer out of the targeted 90000…,” said the government in a statement
The government of Zimbabwe has received substantial support from a wide range of international development organizations and donor countries. Notably, the United States through its embassy, has emphasized commitment to addressing the humanitarian issue and helping Zimbabweans recover from the devastating effects of the drought.
“We are standing in solidarity with Zimbabweans facing this crisis, ensuring that food reaches those who need it most. Our support will help provide immediate relief to vulnerable families and communities,” said the U.S. Embassy in a statement on the World Food Day
In addition to U.S. assistance, the World Food Programme (WFP) and UNICEF agencies are providing critical food aid and emergency relief efforts implementing nutrition programs aimed at addressing the needs of children and pregnant women, who are particularly vulnerable to malnutrition.
To bolster agricultural resilience, the government is ramping up investments in climate-resilient farming practices, including small-scale irrigation systems, enabling farmers to sustain crop production despite prolonged droughts.
According to reports from the Meteorological Services Department, this year’s drought is one of the worst in recent memory, placing millions of Zimbabweans at risk.In turn government has teamed up with agricultural experts to provide farmers with drought-tolerant seeds like, sorghum and millet, which require less water than traditional maize crops ,to bolster food security and support affected communities.
While emergency aid is essential, both the government and its international partners are focused on creating sustainable solutions to the country’s long-term food insecurity challenges.A a key part of this effort is the promotion of drought-resistant farming techniques and crops.
Meanwhile, the World Food Day (WFD) is celebrated annually in October to promote global awareness and action against hunger, malnutrition, and poverty.
