Rédaction Africa Links 24 with The Observer
Published on 2024-04-04 06:12:39
Zimbabwe is facing a significant challenge in terms of food security due to an El Nino-induced drought. President Emmerson Mnangagwa recently declared a nationwide state of disaster and called for urgent international assistance to address the crisis. The country is expecting a harvest of only 868,000 metric tons of grain this year, which is significantly lower than the required amount of about 1.5 million metric tons.
To combat the food insecurity, Zimbabwe appealed to the United Nations, aid agencies, and individuals for $2 billion in funding. President Mnangagwa emphasized the need for various interventions to mitigate the impact of the drought and ensure food security for the population. The situation is further exacerbated by the fact that Malawi and Zambia have also declared a state of disaster due to the drought.
Edward Kallon, the UN resident and humanitarian coordinator in Zimbabwe, highlighted the severe impact of the ongoing dry spell in southern Africa. The crisis has far-reaching consequences across various sectors, including food security, health, water resources, education, and jobs. The UN has allocated $5 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund to support immediate needs such as water, hygiene, sanitation, food, and medical response to a cholera outbreak.
Paul Zakariya, the executive director of the Zimbabwe Farmers Union, emphasized the importance of irrigation farming as a method to mitigate the effects of climate change. He stressed that solely relying on rain-fed agriculture is not sustainable in the long run. Zakariya urged the government to support small-scale farmers in adopting irrigation methods to ensure year-round productivity.
Over the years, Zimbabwe has experienced recurrent food shortages, leading to a dependency on external assistance from organizations like the World Food Program and the US Agency for International Development. Critics attribute this reliance on aid to the land redistribution policies that displaced white commercial farmers who were proficient in irrigation farming. The new peasant farmers who took over the land often lack the resources and knowledge to maintain irrigation systems, leading to reduced productivity.
In response to the crisis, UN agencies have pledged to provide funding to revive and support irrigation systems in Zimbabwe. This initiative aims to enhance agricultural productivity and reduce the country’s reliance on rain-fed agriculture. Details of the funding and support mechanisms will be revealed in an upcoming news conference.
In conclusion, Zimbabwe is in urgent need of assistance to address the food insecurity caused by the El Nino-induced drought. International support is crucial in implementing interventions that will improve agricultural productivity and ensure food security for the population. By focusing on irrigation farming and sustainable agricultural practices, Zimbabwe can mitigate the impact of climate change and build resilience against future crises.
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