News / National
9 million Zimbabweans food-insecure
28 May 2024 at 04:56hrs | Views
The number of individuals requiring food assistance continues to escalate, with the government reporting that around nine million people are food insecure and in need of aid until March 2025.
This revelation coincides with the United Nations (UN) responding to President Emmerson Mnangagwa's plea for US$3.3 million after declaring the El Niño-induced drought a national disaster.
The UN is mobilizing a significant sum of US$429.3 million for humanitarian assistance during this period, with approximately 13% allocated for various initiatives such as a school feeding program, support for labor-constrained households, food and cash-for-assets programs, and irrigation development.
The funding will also focus on promoting resilient agricultural infrastructure, livelihood projects like community fishery schemes, village business units, and agricultural mechanization. Addressing the food aid signing ceremony with the UN in Harare, Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe highlighted that 35% of the urban population was facing food insecurity.
Edward Kallon, the UN resident coordinator, warned of the imminent risk facing the livestock sector due to poor pasture quality and water scarcity between June and October. He cited the adverse impact of prolonged dry spells and high temperatures on crop and livestock production, leading to significant shortfalls in maize production and an increase in livestock diseases.
The Crop, Livestock, and Fisheries Assessment Report from the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, and Rural Development revealed that 40% of the maize crop was classified as poor, with 60% deemed a write-off. To address these challenges, the UN has issued a Flash Appeal, seeking US$429.3 million to assist close to 3.1 million people affected by the crisis.
While humanitarian assistance is crucial in the short term, the UN emphasizes the need for long-term solutions to address recurring climatic shocks, inequality, and poverty in Zimbabwe. Additionally, they call upon the international community to support Zimbabwe and other affected countries, urging solidarity and continued generous assistance to facilitate recovery and foster transformative change.
This revelation coincides with the United Nations (UN) responding to President Emmerson Mnangagwa's plea for US$3.3 million after declaring the El Niño-induced drought a national disaster.
The UN is mobilizing a significant sum of US$429.3 million for humanitarian assistance during this period, with approximately 13% allocated for various initiatives such as a school feeding program, support for labor-constrained households, food and cash-for-assets programs, and irrigation development.
The funding will also focus on promoting resilient agricultural infrastructure, livelihood projects like community fishery schemes, village business units, and agricultural mechanization. Addressing the food aid signing ceremony with the UN in Harare, Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe highlighted that 35% of the urban population was facing food insecurity.
Edward Kallon, the UN resident coordinator, warned of the imminent risk facing the livestock sector due to poor pasture quality and water scarcity between June and October. He cited the adverse impact of prolonged dry spells and high temperatures on crop and livestock production, leading to significant shortfalls in maize production and an increase in livestock diseases.
The Crop, Livestock, and Fisheries Assessment Report from the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, and Rural Development revealed that 40% of the maize crop was classified as poor, with 60% deemed a write-off. To address these challenges, the UN has issued a Flash Appeal, seeking US$429.3 million to assist close to 3.1 million people affected by the crisis.
While humanitarian assistance is crucial in the short term, the UN emphasizes the need for long-term solutions to address recurring climatic shocks, inequality, and poverty in Zimbabwe. Additionally, they call upon the international community to support Zimbabwe and other affected countries, urging solidarity and continued generous assistance to facilitate recovery and foster transformative change.
Source - newsday
