Zimbabwe El Nino Response 2024

Zimbabwe is facing a severe food insecurity crisis due to poor rainfall in the 2023/24 agricultural season, caused by a strong El Nino event. The drought has drastically reduced agricultural output, increasing food prices and economic strain. Zimbabwe's economic challenges, including high inflation, exacerbate food insecurity. As a result, an estimated 6 million people (almost 40% of the population) are food insecure. The government declared the drought a national disaster and appealed for international aid.

Crisis-level food insecurity is expected in several provinces up until the end of the lean season in March/April 2025. In urban areas, 35% of the population face serious food insecurity. Epworth, a poor suburb of Harare, is particularly affected, and many households are already using various coping strategies to manage food shortages. Mudzi district, located in the rural north-east of the country, suffers from chronic food insecurity, with 48% of households affected, which makes it particularly vulnerable to the drought.

Direct beneficiaries: 13’100 participating families that receive cash assistance and protection services.

Indirect beneficiaries include the project staff, service providers, and district stakeholders that will also participate in the sensitization events.

1. Improved access to safety nets for the drought affected people
2. Improved support services on Gender Based Violence and protection of children and adults affected by crisis

Resultados previstos:  

• 13’100 severely food insecure households from targeted districts receive cash assistance to meet basic food requirements from August 2024 to April 2025
• Accountability mechanisms for people receiving assistance are enhanced
• Project staff, services providers and project stakeholders are capacitated on Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) and Preventing Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA)
• Support affected women and children to access services and knowledge on child protection, gender-based violence to protect them against sexual exploitation and abuse