Date: Tuesday, 17 September 2024
Authors: Mabel Nokhuthula Piki
Country: Zimbabwe
SUMMARY
Zimbabwe stands at a crossroads, grappling with an unprecedented drought exacerbated by El Niño. The implications are far-reaching, impacting agriculture, education, wildlife, and the economy among others. With millions facing food insecurity, dwindling water supplies, and rising school dropout rates, urgent action is needed to combat this crisis. As the nation cries out for solutions and help, the question remains: how can Zimbabwe navigate these turbulent waters?
BACKGROUND
The Drought's Gripping Hold on Zimbabwe
In Zimbabwe, the specter of drought looms large, a relentless force that has gripped the nation in a stranglehold of despair. The current crisis is not merely a seasonal challenge; it is a profound humanitarian disaster that threatens the very fabric of society. Characterized by prolonged dry spells linked to the El Niño phenomenon, this drought is reshaping the landscape of Zimbabwe's economy, livelihoods, and future.
The Agricultural Catastrophe
Agriculture, the backbone of Zimbabwe's economy, is bearing the brunt of this environmental upheaval. In the 2023/2024 farming season, farmers cultivated over 2.4 million hectares of land for cereal production, yet the anticipated harvest plummeted to a mere 744,271 tonnes—a staggering 77% reduction (The Herald, 2024). This decline not only jeopardizes food security but also threatens the livelihoods of millions who depend on agriculture for their survival.
The ZimLAC Report for 2024 paints a grim picture: a projected 57% of the population will face cereal insecurity during the peak hunger period (The Herald, 2024). With nearly 7.7 million rural and urban people expected to require assistance between May 2024 and March 2025, the urgency for intervention cannot be overstated.
Impacts on Livestock and Water Supply
The drought’s reach extends beyond crops; livestock is also suffering. The Second Round of Crops, Livestock, and Fisheries Assessment of April (2024) highlighted that in the early days of the 2023/2024 season, nearly 10,000 cattle were lost, particularly in the drought-stricken provinces of Matabeleland North and South (The Herald, 2024). With pastures parched and water sources dwindling, farmers are left with few options, and the consequences resonate throughout rural communities.
Moreover, the struggle for water is becoming increasingly dire. Even before the drought, approximately 35% of rural households lacked adequate water services (OCHA, 2024). Now, 45% of these households are forced to travel over half a kilometer for water, a task that becomes more arduous as supplies dwindle (OCHA, 2024).
Education in Jeopardy
The educational landscape is equally affected. A staggering 1.8 million learners across 72 districts are at risk of dropping out due to the financial strains imposed by the drought. Historical data reveals that during the 2015/2016 drought, over 45,000 students left school, unable to cope with the compounded pressures of food scarcity and family income loss (OCHA, 2024).
As families struggle to make ends meet, children are increasingly pulled from classrooms to contribute to household incomes and 28% of school-going-age children work (UNICEF Zimbabwe, 2024). The implications of this trend are devastating, with UNICEF warning of severe acute malnutrition affecting 300,000 children in Zimbabwe and neighboring countries (UNICEF For Every Child, 2024).
Economic Ramifications and Waterborne Diseases
The economic ramifications of the drought are profound. As food insecurity escalates, more families find themselves trapped in cycles of poverty. The Zambezi River Authority reports significant declines in water inflow (S.Mlanga, 2024), impacting hydropower generation and exacerbating the energy crisis. The ripple effects are felt across all sectors, with rising prices and dwindling resources leading to increased hardship.
Waterborne diseases, including cholera and typhoid, pose an additional threat. UNICEF highlights the link between drought and diminished access to clean drinking water, a precarious situation that further endangers public health (UNICEF, 2024).
Wildlife under Siege
The impact of the drought is not limited to humans; wildlife is also suffering. As habitats deteriorate and water sources dry up, animals face starvation and displacement (Redaction Africanews, 2024). The delicate balance of ecosystems is threatened, with long-term consequences for biodiversity and conservation efforts.
A Call for Resilience and Action
Zimbabwe's crisis is a clarion call for immediate action. Investment in innovative solutions to build resilience at both family and societal levels is crucial. As the nation collectively confronts this existential threat, the government and NGOs must collaborate to implement adaptive strategies that address food security, water access, and education.
Declaring a national disaster across the affected regions is a necessary step, but it must be accompanied by comprehensive plans to support those in need. As the drought continues to unfold, the people of Zimbabwe stand resilient, hoping for rain, relief, and a sustainable future.
In the face of adversity, the question remains: how can Zimbabwe turn the tide in this relentless drought? The answer lies in unity, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to safeguarding the future of its people and the land they cherish.
REFERENCES
1 .OCHA. (2024, May 9). Zimbabwe: Drought Flash Appeal May 2024-April 2025(May 2024).Retrieved from OCHA : https://www.unocha.org/publications/report/zimbabwe/zimbabwe-drought-flash-appeal-may-2024-april-2025-may
2. Redaction Africanews. (2024, August 13). Zimbabwe's wildlife in crisis due to extreme drought. Retrieved from Africanews: https://www.africanews.com/2023/11/23/zimbabwes-wildlife-in-crisis-due-to-extreme-drought/
3.ReliefWeb. (2024, July 24). Zimbabwe Livelihoods Assessment Report 2024 (DG ECHO, Zimbabwe Livelihoods Assessment Committe-ZIMLAC)(ECHO Daily Flash Of 24 July 2024). Retrieved from ReliefWeb: https://reliefweb.int/report/zimbabwe/zimbabwe-livelihoods-assessment-report-2024-dg-echo-zimbabwe-livelihoods-assessment-committee-zimlac-echo-daily-flash-24-july-2024
4.S.Mlanga. (2024, August 13). Hydrological Update. Retrieved from Zambezi River Authority: https://www.facebook.com/ZambeziRiverAuthority
5. The Herald. (2024, May 15). Comprehensive Report On Drought Strategies, Measures Now Available-Cabinet. Retrieved from The Herald: https://www.herald.co.zw/comprehensive-report-on-drought-strategies-measures-now-available-cabinet/
6. UNICEF. (2024, July 8). 2024 ELNINO Induced Drought Disaster: Domestic And International Appeal For Assistance. Retrieved from UNICEF Zimbabwe: https://www.unicef.org/zimbabwe/reports/2024-el-nino-induced-drought-disaster-domestic-and-international-appeal-assistance
7. UNICEF For Every Child, ,. (2024, July 25). Almost 300,000 children threatened by severe acute malnutrition in six drought-affected countries in Southern Africa – UNICEF. Retrieved from UNICEF Zimbabwe: https://www.unicef.org/zimbabwe/press-releases/almost-300000-children-threatened-severe-acute-malnutrition-six-drought-affected
8. UNICEF Zimbabwe. (2024, July 13). Humanitarian Action For Children. Retrieved from UNICEF Zimbabwe: https://www.unicef.org/media/149816/file/2024-HAC-Zimbabwe(1).pdf
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