Drought Crisis Relief

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In the parched landscape of Mudzi District about 400 km from Zimbabwe’s capital Harare, the long-lasting drought has tightened its grip on long suffering villagers. The once lush fields lie barren, a reminder of the ravages of nature’s wrath.

As the days turn into weeks without rain, families are facing a desperate struggle for survival.

With the crops already failed and their livestock dwindling, many villagers are teetering on the brink of starvation.  

The drought is not just confined to one district. Most families in rural areas are skipping meals as a coping mechanism as the effects of drought take its toll, the report by Famine Early Warning Systems Network show.

Zimbabwe is currently grappling with one of the worst droughts in years and President Emmerson Mnangagwa said the country needs over $2 billion worth of food aid.

“In August, most households continue to employ consumption-based coping measures such as skipping meals, reducing meal portions, or prioritising the feeding of children and the ill, which are usually characteristic of the peak of the lean season,” the report said.

“Some households in parts of the country that received grain from the government are relying on this food assistance as a main source of food. The government has reported plans to resume its school feeding programme in rural and urban areas to help to address food shortages, malnutrition, and school dropouts because of the drought.”

The report also noted that the price of maize meal has skyrocketed beyond the reach of many low-income households.

“Market supplies of staple grain remained very low, with stocks not available across most markets. Unlike during typical post-harvest periods, current prices of staple grain are equal to or higher than staple grain prices in February and March 2024, which typically is the peak of the lean season,” the report said.

Maize meal prices are between 20-25 percent higher than normal, retailing for $5.5-$8 per 10-kg bag, compared to July 2023, when prices ranged between $4.5 and $6.5. The government has announced a $1.6-billion 2024/2025 agricultural season crop input assistance plan to be financed by the government (40 percent) and the private sector (60 percent) to support engagement in the 2024/2025 agricultural season, according to the report.

Chinese assistance timely

In a display of solidarity with a nation facing a severe food crisis, China, through its embassy in Zimbabwe, has provided emergency food assistance to Zimbabwe.

A total of 1,760 tonnes of rice is being distributed to vulnerable communities, including orphanages, institutions for the elderly, and people living with disabilities.

The donation was handed over by Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding to Zimbabwean President Mnangagwa at a ceremony at the State House in Harare on August 22.

The event was attended by several Zimbabwean government officials and representatives of beneficiary institutions.

Mnangagwa expressed his deep gratitude to the Chinese government for the timely assistance. “Each time we face food insecurity, China has always come to our aid,” he said during the presentation. “This donation will make a significant difference in the lives of our most vulnerable citizens,” he said, which includes orphanages, institutions that care for elderly persons and people living with disabilities.

The drought, exacerbated by the El Niño phenomenon, has had a devastating impact on Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector. Many farmers have been unable to produce sufficient crops to meet the country’s food needs.

The Chinese government’s intervention is a crucial lifeline for millions of Zimbabweans.

Ambassador Zhou told ChinAfrica that China was committed to supporting Zimbabwe during difficult times. “This is just the beginning,” he said. “We will continue to provide assistance to Zimbabwe as needed.”

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Digging wells for survival

Along with food donations, China is also helping the Zimbabwean government in a broader effort to combat drought through well drilling programmes.  

July Moyo, Zimbabwe’s minister of local government, public works and national housing, said these wells are providing essential irrigation facilities and safe drinking water to vulnerable rural communities.

Moyo highlighted the critical role of these wells in addressing the drought’s impact, especially in areas facing water shortages.

“Wells are not only supplying potable water, but also enabling communities to engage in supplementary gardening activities,” he said.

Currently, 300 wells are being drilled across four provinces in Zimbabwe, following the declaration of a state of disaster by President Mnangagwa in March.

Moyo noted that these efforts are complemented by a feeding scheme for over 8,000 schools, which includes grain distribution and the promotion of school gardens.

“The current well drilling project builds upon a previous initiative where China drilled over 1,000 wells across Zimbabwe’s provinces, benefitting approximately 400,000 people. These wells have provided access to clean water and irrigation facilities,” he said.

Moyo also commented that China’s recent rice donation to Zimbabwe would significantly assist in addressing the dire food insecurity status. He said the government is currently providing grain to about 6.1 million people, and the Chinese donation will further boost these efforts.

Beneficiaries of China’s food aid expressed deep gratitude for the help that has eased their suffering.

A villager Martha Chibanda expressed her thanks. “Without this rice, we would have nothing to eat. My children now have food.”

Another recipient, an elderly man named Samuel Ncube, said the assistance had provided him with renewed hope.

“The rice from China came just when we thought all was lost. It is a lifeline for us. Thank you to the people of China for standing by us,” Ncube said.

The wells that China helped to drill have also brought relief to villagers.

Lucia Mukwada, a mother of three, said she was grateful for the timely intervention.

“Before the wells, we had to walk for kilometres to find water. Now, we have clean water close to home, and we can even grow vegetables. Our lives have changed,” she said.  

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