Harare Correspondent
The World Food Programme (WFP) has announced that it requires US$139 million to provide effective support to communities affected by the severe drought conditions in Zimbabwe.
This drought, induced by the El Niño phenomenon, began in December 2023 and has led to poor harvests, exacerbating food insecurity as the peak hunger season approaches from January to March 2025.
Government Appeal
In response to the crisis, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has appealed for US$3 billion from donors to help mobilize resources and prevent potential starvation among the population.
WFP’s Response Strategy
The WFP’s response plan includes lean season assistance, urban cash transfers, and nutrition interventions aimed at both urban and rural areas. Currently, the WFP is providing cash assistance of US$13 per person per month to 62,455 individuals in urban areas to help mitigate the impacts of the drought and rising food needs.
Support for Vulnerable Populations
In September, the WFP successfully assisted 269,514 people in regions such as Buhera, Mwenezi, and Mangwe, utilizing funding from its Africa Risk Capacity policy payout. Additionally, the WFP provided assistance to 12,424 refugees and asylum seekers at Tongogara Refugee Settlement, offering a combination of cash and food supplies.
Food Assistance for Assets Program
The WFP’s Food Assistance for Assets (FFA) program is nearing completion, with ongoing projects in districts like Kariba, Chiredzi, and Zvishavane. This initiative aims to restore degraded ecosystems, develop nutrition gardens, and enhance community capacities through training and market linkages, in collaboration with the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
As the situation develops, the need for urgent financial support remains critical to address the escalating food insecurity in Zimbabwe.
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