The World Food Programme (WFP) is preparing to provide emergency food assistance to 270,000 Zimbabweans over the next three months, amid concerns of a severe food crisis triggered by an El Niño-induced drought. This comes as the country grapples with the long-standing challenge of food insecurity, exacerbated by the legacy of land reform policies implemented in 2000.
El Niño, a climatic phenomenon causing warmer-than-usual Pacific Ocean temperatures, is predicted to disrupt weather patterns and hinder crop yields across southern Africa, including Zimbabwe. The government anticipates a significant decline in maize production, with the projected harvest for 2024 estimated to be half of the previous year’s output.
This concerning outlook compels Zimbabwe to collaborate with aid agencies to address the needs of an estimated 2.7 million people facing food insecurity. The WFP, with its extensive experience in providing humanitarian assistance in Zimbabwe, will focus on supporting the most vulnerable communities in the southern region, where the impact of the drought is expected to be the most severe.
“We have jointly identified the most vulnerable populations within the 2.7 million people requiring assistance,” explained Christine Mendes, the WFP’s acting country director. “The WFP will prioritize four districts with heightened vulnerability, offering a more comprehensive package of support.”
The WFP’s planned intervention hinges on securing essential funding. The organization has allocated $39 million for its Zimbabwean humanitarian programs, including food assistance over the next six months. However, with only 40% of this budget secured so far, Mendes emphasizes the urgency of acquiring additional resources.
“Securing funding is crucial to meeting the needs of those facing hunger,” Mendes stated. “We must work diligently to bridge the funding gap and ensure essential food supplies reach the most vulnerable communities.”
To stretch resources and prioritize those in dire need, the WFP will provide targeted food assistance packages within the chosen districts. These packages will include staple maize grain, beans, and cooking oil for each household.
As Zimbabwe navigates the impending food crisis, the cooperation between the government, humanitarian organizations like the WFP, and individual donors will be crucial in mitigating the impact of the drought and ensuring basic food security for the most vulnerable populations.
