President Mnangagwa declared a State of Disaster yesterday due to the El Nino-induced drought, pledging ample resources to bolster national food security, including the importation of supplementary grain.
This weather phenomenon, characterized by disrupted wind patterns and heightened ocean temperatures, has caused extensive crop failure across Zimbabwe, prompting urgent humanitarian assistance.
The President’s proclamation seeks to rally support from diverse stakeholders, locally and internationally, to tackle the crisis head-on.
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The drought, worsened by El Nino, has severely affected agricultural output in Southern Africa, resulting in acute food shortages.
Zimbabwe, alongside neighboring nations, confronts significant hurdles in meeting the demand for food.
President Mnangagwa stressed the necessity of over $2 billion to execute various measures outlined in the national response plan.
Despite endeavors to reinforce food security through strategic grain reserves and surplus wheat allocations, a considerable deficit remains, mandating grain imports and involvement from the private sector.
Beyond immediate food requirements, the government prioritizes the winter crop program and modernization of agriculture to alleviate the impact of future droughts.
Water security, livestock preservation, and energy diversification stand as crucial elements of the holistic response strategy.
Despite challenges posed by reduced hydro-power generation, investments in thermal and solar energy aim to sustain the economy amidst these adversities.
