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International weather forecasters have downgraded predictions for La Niña’s formation and intensity, suggesting that southern Africa may not receive as much rainfall as initially hoped.
Last summer’s El Niño caused severe drought and crop failures, resulting in widespread food aid requirements.
There were high hopes that La Niña would follow, bringing good rains, but forecasts have become increasingly pessimistic.
In its bi-weekly outlook, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology issued a bleak report on Tuesday about La Niña forming in 2024, raising concerns about another poor season for summer grain crops in southern Africa. It said:
<blockquote>
… the chance of a La Niña event developing in the coming months has decreased compared to recent outlooks.
If a La Niña were to develop, it is likely to be relatively weak and short-lived, with all models forecasting neutral values by February.
</blockquote>
The El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is a natural climate pattern affecting global weather. ENSO is currently in its neutral phase.
The El Niño phase occurs when ocean waters in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean become warmer than usual, leading to increased rainfall in some areas (like the western coast of South America) and droughts in others (like Southern Africa).
La Niña, the opposite phase, is characterised by cooler-than-normal ocean waters in the same region and often brings drier conditions to South America and wetter conditions to Southern Africa.
In the neutral phase, ocean temperatures and weather patterns are closer to average, with no significant warming or cooling.
The Australian Bureau of Meteorology suggests that if La Niña forms, its impact may be limited and could dissipate by February.
Other global forecasters are also adjusting their expectations for La Niña. A US government forecaster recently indicated that the likelihood of La Niña forming has been reduced and, if it does occur, it is expected to last until March.
A weak La Niña or a summer in the neutral zone does not necessarily mean this region will experience another drought.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Weather experts have changed their minds about the rainy season in southern Africa. They thought a weather pattern called La Niña would bring lots of rain, but now they are not so sure. Last year, a different pattern called El Niño caused a terrible drought in the region. If La Niña doesn't bring enough rain, there could be another drought this year. La Niña is when the sea is cooler than usual, leading to dry conditions in southern Africa. But right now, the sea is normal and there is no guarantee of lots of rain. Experts are keeping an eye on the situation and will give updates later.

Downgraded La Niña Forecasts Spark Fears Of Another Drought In Southern Africa

The Chitungwiza Municipality has blamed the ongoing water crisis in the dormitory town on the El Niño-induced drought, which led to the early decommissioning of the Prince Edward Water Treatment Plant—four months earlier than in 2023.
The Harare City Council provides Chitungwiza with water from this plant, which was shut down in August after the Harava and Seke supply dams ran dry.
In an interview with <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200033598/crisis-as-chitungwiza-runs-dry">NewsDay</a> over the weekend, Chitungwiza Municipality spokesperson Tafadzwa Kachiko said the water crisis required urgent intervention. Said Kachiko:
<blockquote>
We are witnessing the effects of the El Nino-induced drought. During this period last year, we were receiving an average of 14 megalitres per day and we could manage rationing the water.
The Prince Edward plant was decommissioned on December 5 last year, and we had just a month of dry spell because the situation went back to normal in January this year.
</blockquote>
Kachiko said the council has reached out to the government for assistance and plans to convene a multi-stakeholder meeting to discuss the water crisis and develop short-term solutions.
Marvelous Khumalo, the spokesperson for the Chitungwiza Residents Association, urged the government to expedite the construction of the Kunzvi Dam, which is anticipated to alleviate the water challenges faced by both Harare and Chitungwiza. Said Khumalo:
<blockquote>
The City of Harare water is also failing to meet its increasing demand for water thereby affording to offer Chitungwiza less than 10 megalitres per day against a daily demand of about 70 megalitres.
We hope the central government will prioritise finalisation of the Kunzvi dam project and other strategic dams so as to increase the raw water supply to the Harare metropolitan province whose population continues to expand rapidly.
Reliance on underground water is but just a stop-gap measure which is not sustainable.
</blockquote>
Chitungwiza Business Community Trust chairman Tendai Mareya urged the council to scrap charges for borehole drilling and reduce fixed water rates.
Last week, Chitungwiza Mayor Rosaria Mangoma disclosed that the council has been receiving only one to three megalitres of water from Morton Jaffray on weekends—far below the required 75 megalitres per day.
She urged residents to source water from trusted alternatives to minimise health risks.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The water crisis in Chitungwiza is getting worse because of a drought caused by El Niño. The Prince Edward Water Treatment Plant shut down early due to lack of water, making the situation even worse. Chitungwiza is not getting enough water from Harare, so the municipality is asking for help from the government. Residents are being urged to find other sources of water and the council is looking for solutions to the crisis. The construction of the Kunzvi Dam could help solve the water problem for both Harare and Chitungwiza.

"El Niño Drought Worsened Chitungwiza Water Crisis"

The government’s food aid distribution programme for villagers is shrouded in controversy, with reports indicating that some individuals are receiving grain while many others are being left out.
During a Q&amp;A session on Wednesday, Murewa South Member of Parliament Noah Mangondo raised concerns with Acting Speaker of the National Assembly Raymore Machingura, saying that there are serious issues with the distribution process. Said Mangondo:
<blockquote>
People who received food aid in April and those who received in June are the ones who are receiving food for phase two that we started in August. What is government doing so that food is distributed to all vulnerable families?
</blockquote>
Public Service and Social Welfare Deputy Minister Maruva Mercy Dinha explained to legislators that when the government started the distribution programme, the Zimbabwe Livelihoods Assessment Committee (ZimLAC) had yet to produce its assessment report. She said:
<blockquote>
When we started distributing food in April, we were given the names of the beneficiaries by sabhukus, Village heads. ZIMLAC had not yet finished doing its assessments.
The first phase started in May to July. We did not use the ZIMLAC results because it was stated that from July to September, people who were supposed to receive food aid when we started, were 6 100 000.
</blockquote>
Dinha said her ministry did not revert to the ZIMLAC results because people would have been disadvantaged and only a few would have been given food aid.
She added that the government resorted to the number that it had been given in the first phase. Said Dinha:
<blockquote>
These people are the people who were considered to be vulnerable. When this assessment was done, people had meetings with their Sabhukus and agreed on the families to receive food aid.
</blockquote>
However, Mangondo questioned Dinha’s response, arguing that the same individuals receiving food aid are not representative of the broader community affected by the drought.
Dinha told Machingura that those who received food aid first were deemed the most vulnerable and would continue to receive assistance until the programme concluded.
Other MPs joined the debate, including Tendai Nyabani (ZANU PF) from Rushinga and Richard Ziki (ZANU PF) from Hurungwe Central. Said Ziki:
<blockquote>
Some people did not get food during the second phase who were supposed to get food in their wards but by July 31, those people were removed from the list for not receiving their previous allocations.
</blockquote>
Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Ziyambi Ziyambi admitted there are anomalies. He said:
<blockquote>
Something went wrong such that not all the places got food, but it does not mean that if you did not benefit, we should go back in retrospect because the time has passed and you are alive.
We are giving for the next three months not to go back as if you have died. If you are still alive, we will start where we are.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe suffered its worst drought in over 40 years in the past season caused by El Nino leaving more than 9.2 people in need of food aid in both urban and rural areas.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The government is giving out food aid to help people, but some are not getting any. Some Members of Parliament are saying the distribution is not fair. They say some people who got food before are getting it again, while others are left out. The government says they did not use a certain report to decide who gets food aid. They say they are helping the most vulnerable people first. But some MPs think more people should get food aid. The government admits there are problems, but they will focus on helping those in need now. Many people in Zimbabwe need food aid because of a bad drought.

ZANU PF MPs Question Fairness Of Food Aid Distribution Process

The World Food Programme (WFP), which is part of the United Nations, says it is working harder to help the government of Zimbabwe deal with the serious food shortages in the country. This is because of a drought caused by the El Niño weather pattern.
The drought has caused crops and livestock to do very badly, leaving millions of people without enough food. This has created a humanitarian crisis.
Reports from the Zimbabwe Livelihoods Assessment Committee (ZimLAC) show that the 2024 maize harvest was much lower than the 2.2 million tonnes needed.
This puts over 5.9 million people in rural areas and 1.7 million in cities at risk of not having enough food during the lean season.
In response, the WFP is providing emergency food and nutrition help to households affected in Zimbabwe.
Francesca Erdelmann, WFP Zimbabwe Representative and Country Director, said the WFP’s Lean Season Assistance programme, working with the Ministry of Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare, will give important food assistance to people in rural areas.
The WFP is also giving cash to people in cities to help them afford food. Said Erdelmann:
<blockquote>
The African Risk Capacity (ARC) Replica payout of over USD 6 million provides a significant boost to our efforts, emphasizing the importance of drought and disaster risk insurance.
This payout allows us to provide timely assistance to over 255,000 people in need across three districts, demonstrating the critical role that insurance mechanisms play in mitigating the effects of climate-related disasters.
WFP is working with the Government to provide services to support the national supply chain management for efficient delivery of cereals to targeted districts for the food deficit mitigation strategy (FDMS) while simultaneously building the capacities of involved government counterpart institutions.
Most recently, we managed the movement of some 23,000 MT of fertiliser for the Government from ports in Europe to depots in Zimbabwe.
</blockquote>
Erdelmann said the WFP is thankful to the donors who have given money to help with the response to the El Niño drought.
She also said the WFP is working on repairing water sources and livelihoods (ways for people to earn a living), encouraging farming methods that are good for the climate and supporting community projects to improve infrastructure.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The World Food Programme (WFP) is helping Zimbabwe because there is not enough food due to a drought caused by El Niño. Many people don't have enough to eat. The WFP is giving emergency food and nutrition help to those affected. They are also giving money to help people buy food in cities. The WFP is working with the government to provide support and build the capacity to deliver food efficiently. They are also helping with repairing water sources, promoting climate-friendly farming, and improving infrastructure in communities. The WFP is grateful to donors who have given money to help with the response to the drought.

WFP Intensifies Support For Zimbabwe As El Niño Drought Causes Severe Food Shortages

United Nations officials have appealed to the international community for support to help Zimbabwe address the humanitarian impacts of El Niño which is threatening 7.6 million people with acute hunger.
The 2023-2024 summer season was blighted by shifted rainfall patterns and long dry spells during the critical planting season which left large parts of the region with insufficient rainfall and above-average temperatures.
The drought has deeply impacted Zimbabwe’s economy, forcing the government to reduce growth projections.
The country is also facing critical water shortages, and more than 22 per cent of school-aged children are out of school because of the economic and social impacts of the drought.
The urgent need for support was made by Reena Ghelani, the United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and climate Crisis Coordinator for El Niño – La Niña and Valerie Guarnieri, the Assistant Executive Director of the World Food Programme, with Edward Kallon, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Zimbabwe, as they concluded a week-long drought-assessment mission to the country.
Valerie Guarneri, WFP’s Assistant Executive Director said:
<blockquote>
It’s tragic. Families have harvested nothing at all, and their food stocks are empty. Families are now making survival decisions as the situation continues to worsen.
During the peak of the lean season between January and March next year and we are in a race against time to provide assistance.
</blockquote>
During their week-long mission, the delegation met with senior Government Officials including Constantino Chiwenga, Minister of Local Government and Public Works Daniel Garwe, Members of National Drought Response Inter-Cabinet Ministers, the Department of Civil Protection (Zimbabwe’s disaster management authority), local authorities and humanitarian workers on the ground as well as communities most affected.
They visited Matobo District in Bulawayo and Umguza District in Matabeleland Province where they witnessed first-hand the impact of the drought and efforts made to support climate-smart agriculture, provide alternative income in urban areas and prevent gender-based violence against women and girls. Said Reena Ghelani:
<blockquote>
The people we’ve met in Zimbabwe are facing a historic drought and need urgent support now.
Moreover, Southern Africa may be facing extreme droughts like this one every decade: we need support for the medium term so that communities are not vulnerable to future shocks.
</blockquote>
According to the latest estimates, 5.9 million people in rural areas and 1.7 million people in urban areas may face acute hunger during the coming lean period, and until the next harvest in April 2025.
The UN-coordinated Drought Flash Appeal for Zimbabwe, which brings over 60 organisations together to complement national efforts, is requiring $429 million to assist 3.1 million people this year but is only about 20 per cent funded. Said Kallon:
<blockquote>
Thanks to early funding from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund, the African Risk Capacity and other partners, the UN and partners have been able to kickstart anticipatory action and early response activities to mitigate the worst impacts of the drought.
Now we need to scale up the response, to ensure that no one dies of hunger and children remain in school.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Summary:
The United Nations is asking for help to assist Zimbabwe, where 7.6 million people are facing hunger due to the impact of El Niño. The country suffered from a drought in the 2023-2024 summer season, leading to economic struggles and water shortages. Many children are out of school because of the crisis. The UN is seeking $429 million to aid 3.1 million people, but funding is low. Urgent support is needed to prevent hunger and keep children in school. Southern Africa may face more severe droughts in the future. The UN is working with partners to provide assistance and prevent further suffering.

UN Appeals For Help As El Niño Threatens 7.6 Million In Zimbabwe

In response to the devastating impact of the 2023/2024 drought on crop production, the government has announced an emergency food aid programme to assist food-insecure citizens.
According to the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Jenfan Muswere, the government will be providing 7.5kg of food per person per month to beneficiaries from July to September 2024.
This intervention is aimed at averting starvation, particularly in the country’s rural areas, where the drought has resulted in very little or no harvest from the summer cropping season.
Muswere further said that the food aid programme will be expanded from October 2024 to March 2025, with beneficiaries receiving 8.5kg of food per person per month during this period.
The majority of the programme’s beneficiaries will be drawn from the country’s rural populations, who have been the hardest hit by the El Nino-induced drought that severely reduced crop yields across the country. Said Muswere:
<blockquote>
The 2024 Rural Livelihoods Assessment established that the total cereal requirements from the National Strategic Grain Reserve for the period July 2024 to March 2025 would be 448 350 metric tonnes, broken down as follows; 45 750 metric tonnes per month for July to September 2024; and 51 850 metric tonnes per month for October 2024 to March 2025.
The food insecure people will receive 7.5kg per person per month for the period July to September 2024, and 8.5kg per person per month from October 2024 to March 2025.
The Report noted that 121 482.6 metric tonnes will be required for the school feeding programme from July 2024 to April 2025.
Government will avail the requisite quantities for the school feeding programme and will prioritise payment of the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM).
</blockquote>
The 2023/2024 agricultural season in Zimbabwe was severely affected by a prolonged drought that gripped much of the country.
The drought had a significant impact on crop production, with maize, the country’s staple food, being particularly hard hit.
Crop yields were also drastically reduced, with many farmers reporting total crop failures in the worst affected areas.
The drought was exacerbated by erratic rainfall patterns, with long dry spells and insufficient precipitation during the crucial growing stages of the crops.
This led to widespread wilting and stunting of maize plants, as well as reduced yields for other major crops like sorghum, millet and groundnuts.
The government declared the 2023/2024 agricultural season a national disaster and made appeals for international aid and support.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The government of Zimbabwe is giving 7.5kg of maize to people who don't have enough food because of a drought. This will help them not go hungry. From October 2024 to March 2025, they will give 8.5kg of food per month. The drought made it hard to grow crops like maize, sorghum, millet, and groundnuts. Farmers had very little or no harvest. The government asked for help from other countries to deal with this problem. They want to make sure everyone has enough to eat during this difficult time.

Poor Zimbabweans To get 7.5kg Of Maize Per Month

Zimbabwe has received US$31.8 million from the African Risk Capacity, an arm of the African Union, in drought relief aid.
The southern African country joined the African Risk Capacity (ARC) Agency in 2012.
The Minister of Finance, Economic Development and lnvestment Promotion, Mthuli Ncube, received US$16.8 million from ARC on Thursday, which was complemented by payments to Zimbabwe’s ARC partners, the World Food Programme (WFP) and Start Network of US$6.1 million and US$8.9 million, respectively.
Receiving the insurance cover, Ncube said that the drought relief funds will cover 27 districts across the country. Said Ncube:
<blockquote>
Today, I am honoured, to, on behalf of the Government of Zimbabwe, receive the ARC drought insurance pay-out amounting to US$16.8 million.
The pay-out is complemented by pay-outs to our ARC replica partners amounting to US$6.1 million to the WFP and US$8.9 million to Start Network.
Zimbabwe will, therefore, receive a total pay-out of US$31.8 million.
The insurance payout will be distributed to approximately 508,435 vulnerable households in 27 districts across the country.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe is currently facing an acute food shortage following an El Niño-induced drought, which has left more than half of the country’s population in need of food assistance.
In April 2024, President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared the drought a state of national disaster, issuing an appeal for resources from aid agencies and development partners.
Despite assurances that no one will die of hunger, the Zimbabwean government has revised its food relief funding appeal from the initial US$2 billion to US$3 billion.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe Receives US$31.8 Million Drought Insurance Cover

More than half of Zimbabwe’s population will need food aid this year after an El Nino-induced drought decimated crops and livestock during the 2023/24 summer cropping season.
This is based on the Second Round of Crops, Livestock and Fisheries Assessment of April 18, 2024, and the Rapid Village-based Food Assessment concluded on April 15, 2024.
In a post-Cabinet media briefing on Tuesday, 14 May, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Jenfan Muswere said that six million people in rural areas will require assistance between May 2024 and March 2025. He said (via <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200026928/crisis-as-half-of-zim-needs-food-aid">NewsDay</a>):
<blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Livelihoods Assessment Committee Report (ZimLAC) indicated that 1,7 million people who reside in urban areas will require assistance.
A total of 7,7 million people, being 51% of the population, will require food assistance. This excludes a further 4,5 million who will require school meals.
</blockquote>
Muswere also said the grain stock at the Grain Marketing Board as of May 9, 2024, stood at 423 779 tonnes.
He added that the private sector is expected to import all its stock feed requirements of 400 000 tonnes, and urban maize requirements of up to 450 000 tonnes by March 2025.
Muswere said the ZimLAC 2024 Urban Livelihoods and Nutrition Assessment revealed that 65% of urban households were food secure, while 35% were food insecure.
The proportion of food-insecure urban households translates to 1,732,770 people.
Speaking during yesterday’s post-Cabinet, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister, Anxious Masuka said that the 2023/24 Summer Crop Marketing, Food Security Outlook to March 2025 indicated that close to 8 million people would need food aid, which represents more than half of the population.
According to the 2022 census conducted by the Zimbabwe National Statistical Agency (ZIMSTAT), Zimbabwe’s population was 15 178,979.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

More Than Half Of Zimbabwean Population In Need Of Food Aid

The United Nations humanitarian agency has launched an appeal for $430 million to feed 3.1 million Zimbabweans who are in urgent need of food aid after the country’s worst drought in four decades.
The severe drought is attributed to El Nino, a naturally occurring climatic phenomenon that warms parts of the Pacific Ocean every two to seven years.
In southern Africa, El Nino typically causes below-average rainfall, but this year has seen the worst drought in 40 years.
In the appeal, UN resident and humanitarian coordinator Edward Kallon said the money is to help the 3.1 million people in the most severely affected districts for the coming year. He said on Thursday:
<blockquote>
To respond to the scenario, this Flash Appeal requires US$429.3 million for humanitarian partners to target close to 3.1 million people.
The appeal aims to mobilise humanitarian action in support of the government-led response and is directly complementing the government’s own relief efforts.
We have ensured that this appeal is prioritised and principled, and we are confident that the activities planned are the most urgently needed to deliver immediate relief to the people who need it the most.
I therefore call on the international community to show solidarity with the people of Zimbabwe community to show solidarity with the people of Zimbabwe at this extremely challenging time and to stand with us as we step up our response to this devastating event.
</blockquote>
The U.N. agency said close to 2 million children, both boys and girls, could be forced to drop out of school due to the impact of the drought. Said Killion:
<blockquote>
Based on the two severities, 46 districts have been identified as a priority, with a target population of 3.1 million people requiring USD 429.3 million.
This approach is expected to maximise the impact of collective humanitarian action and to ensure that the areas of greatest need are reached first.
</blockquote>
The UN intervention will include livestock production, food assistance, cash transfers, and the construction of solarised boreholes and water pans that would provide drinking water for people and starving livestock.
Harvests for maize for the 2023-24 season are estimated at 700,000 tonnes, which is 70% down from last season.
Zimbabwe requires 2.2 million tonnes annually to meet the demand for humans and livestock, according to government crop assessment figures.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa recently declared a national disaster and launched an appeal for US$2 billion to try and mitigate the disaster.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

United Nations Seeks US$430 Million For Drought-hit Zimbabwe

Kenya has pledged to donate US$1 million worth of maize to Zimbabwe to help the southern African country alleviate a severe shortage of the staple caused by the El Nino-induced drought.
Speaking during the signing of eight Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between Kenya and Zimbabwe under the 4th Zimbabwe/Kenya Joint Permanent Commission on Co-operation, at State House in Bulawayo on Saturday, Kenyan President William Ruto said climate change threatens the lives and livelihoods globally, especially Africa.
He called upon all countries, particularly the developed world, to meet their obligations and commitments under the Paris Agreement and other multilateral environmental agreements.
The Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty on climate change which aims to hold “the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels” and pursue efforts “to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.”
Ruto also pleaded with the international community to respond to the declaration of a State of Disaster in Zimbabwe. He said (<a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/kenya-donates-us1m-worth-of-maize-to-zimbabwe/">via The Sunday News</a>):
<blockquote>
I wish to express Kenya’s solidarity with Zimbabwe in the face of the prolonged El Nino-induced drought that has left a severe food and humanitarian crisis in the Southern African region.
We call upon the international community to respond to the declaration you made on the State of Disaster in Zimbabwe following the El Nino-induced drought.
On its part, Kenya is committing to deliver US$1 million worth of food items, particularly maize to the people of Zimbabwe in the next few weeks.
</blockquote>
President Emmerson Mnangagwa had earlier thanked his Kenyan counterpart for the maize donation. Speaking during the banquet hosted in honour of Ruto on Friday night at the State House in Bulawayo, Mnangagwa said:
<blockquote>
Over the past four decades, Zimbabwe and Kenya have fostered synergies across various sectors of the economy.
I was briefing my younger brother (President Ruto) about the drought situation here, and by the way, they have no drought in Kenya because they are near the Equator.
When I told my dear brother that we have drought he donated 30 000 tonnes of maize to Zimbabwe. Thank you, and that is what brothers do to each other.
</blockquote>
During the declaration of a State of Disaster, Mnangagwa said the country needs over US$2 billion to address the food shortage.
On 03 April 2024, Mnangagwa officially declared the El Niño-induced drought, which severely impacted the 2023/24 summer cropping season, as a state of disaster.
The declaration aims to mobilize resources and prevent the looming threat of widespread starvation.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Kenya Pledges To Donate US$1 Million Worth Of Maize To Zimbabwe

President Emmerson Mnangagwa said that his administration is mobilising resources to ensure food security for both rural and urban communities amid the devastating El-Nino-induced drought.
He was speaking at the main Independence Day celebrations held in Murambinda, Buhera District, Manicaland Province, on Thursday, 18 April. He said:
<blockquote>
This year’s celebrations come on the backdrop of the climate change-induced El Niño drought. It is the worst drought in 40 years, which is affecting the entire SADC region. I am aware that many of our communities, including here in Manicaland Province, have been affected by the low rainfall, which resulted in poor harvests.
As such, earlier this month, I invoked a nationwide State of Disaster on the Drought to allow our Government machinery and institutions to give special attention to mitigating the negative impact of the drought.
The Second Republic, under ZANU PF, is a people-centred Government, committed to wholeheartedly attending to the needs of our communities.
In both rural and urban areas, no Zimbabwean will succumb to starvation. Adequate resources are being mobilized towards national food security.
</blockquote>
Mnangagwa announced that as part of the efforts to ensure food security, initiatives are underway to reactivate winter maize projects in warmer regions like Chiredzi, Muzarabani, and Binga. He said:
<blockquote>
Drawing from our traditional heritage, cultural norms, and values, we are tackling drought in unity; no one and no place will be left behind.
My government is implementing a robust winter cropping program as we broaden our Strategic Grain Reserves.
Furthermore, measures are in place to reactivate winter maize projects in Chiredzi, Muzarabani, and Binga.
</blockquote>
Throughout the summer cropping season spanning from October 2023 to April 2024, Zimbabwe and several other Southern African countries grappled with drought conditions, which resulted in reduced rainfall, crop failure, and livestock losses.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Mnangagwa Pledges Sufficient Food Security Amid El Niño-induced Drought

Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister, Anxious Masuka, has urged communal farmers to desist from selling their livestock at giveaway prices because of dwindling pastures caused by the El Nino-induced drought.
As reported by <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/communal-farmers-warned-against-selling-livestock-as-hunger-bites/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>, Masuka was responding to questions that had been raised by legislators during the Question and Answer session in the National Assembly on Wednesday.
He said the government was aware that farmers were “de-stocking” after the number of cattle sold in Matabeleland South from January to February 2024 has risen by 43%. Said Masuka:
<blockquote>
In different places, we have observed that farmers are busy de-stocking because they are worried about the quantities of the feed that they have, for instance in Matabeleland South, the cattle that were sold from January to February… we observed that the quantities have gone up by 43%. So, the majority are selling their cattle.
As the relevant Ministry, we urge farmers to stop rushing to sell their livestock. They should only sell those old oxen and cows.
The heifers and other young cows, we should keep them in stock so that we can use artificial insemination to ensure that we have pastures for the calves so that they cannot sell their cattle.
</blockquote>
Spencer Tshuma, the Gokwe-Kabuyuni MP (ZANU PF) had also asked what the Government was doing given that most communal farmers when faced with hunger sell their livestock for survival.
Tshuma wanted to know what help they could get considering that livestock movement is banned in some areas. Said Masuka:
<blockquote>
The Government has put in place, together with the Ministry headed by Minister July Moyo, a programme to ensure that all households countrywide are provided with adequate foodstuffs until next year.
We only allow the movement of livestock once the period of the ban has expired because if we allow this, we may fail to contain the disease.
</blockquote>
Reports suggest that farmers are struggling to sell their livestock. Minister Masuka said the Government is currently trying to revive a programme under which market days will be published.
The programme was formerly run by the Cold Storage Commission (CSC) but has since collapsed. Said Masuka:
<blockquote>
We are in the process of trying to revive such activities so that farmers can be able to buy and sell cattle. We have allowed the Agricultural Marketing Authority to do that process.
</blockquote>
The shortage of pastures and poor crop yields due to drought are some of the factors driving communal farmers to sell their cattle, not only to avoid losses as the animals may succumb to hunger but also to raise money for food and other necessities.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Govt Warns Communal Farmers Against Selling Livestock As Hunger Bites

Zimbabwe’s prominent opposition figure, Nelson Chamisa, strongly criticized President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa for the delayed declaration of the El Nino-induced drought as a State of Disaster. The drought wreaked havoc on crops and pastures during the 2023/24 rainy season.
On Wednesday, April 3, President Mnangagwa declared a state of disaster and urgently appealed for international assistance, stating that Zimbabwe needs more than US$2 billion to mitigate the impending famine.
Chamisa contends that recognizing a meteorological drought at the tail-end of the summer season reflects a significant “leadership drought” within the country. Chamisa said:
<blockquote>
Drought in Zimbabwe has become a perennial challenge evidenced by persistent extreme weather conditions. Poverty, disease, and cholera also characterize our national perils.
These all constitute major threats to our national security. It’s like we’re stuck in a time loop since ‘07/‘08. This points to leadership failure.
Declaring a state of emergency after the fact is too little too late, lame and lacking. We’ve ignored warnings from experts including the UN, WHO, WFP and our own meteorological teams who gave these warnings more than a year ago.
Our lack of preparedness shows that the drought of leadership and strategy is OUR BIGGEST DROUGHT HAZARD.
We’ve got dams but they’re underdeveloped, silting up with no de-silting plans. We have too many undeveloped dam sites. We lack the right water harnessing and harvesting plans.
</blockquote>
The former leader of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) issued a challenge to the Mnangagwa-led administration, urging them to draw lessons from other nations that have achieved food security even in the face of limited rainfall. He said:
<blockquote>
Other countries with less rainfall manage better. With the right leadership and proper governance, Zimbabwe would be evergreen. We have a great deal for Zimbabwe- the Green Agenda revolution.
Climate-smart solutions need a proactive strategy, not a reactive policy. Our water systems and land use need effective management for preservation and sustainability.
Declaring disaster late is no solution. Lives have been lost and continue to be lost the policies are floppy, sloppy, slow and weak.
We’re ready to provide the leadership that acts, not react. We must resolve the drought of leadership. Zimbabwe deserves better.
We must fix the broken politics, resolve the disputed elections conundrum, reverse the rigged elections scourge and restore majority rule.
</blockquote>
Mnangagwa announced that the anticipated grain yield for the 2023/24 agricultural season in Zimbabwe stands at 868,273 tonnes. However, this falls significantly short of the nation’s food requirements, resulting in a cereal deficit of nearly 680,000 metric tonnes.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe's Leadership "Drought" Is Worse Than A Meteorological Drought - Chamisa

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has urgently appealed for international assistance, stating that Zimbabwe needs more than US$2 billion to mitigate the impending famine caused by the El Niño-induced drought. The severity of the situation has led the government to declare a state of disaster.
Interestingly, this declaration follows a period during which President Mnangagwa’s ZANU PF party allocated substantial funds to electoral campaigns and generously rewarded ministers, judges, lawmakers, and chiefs. Said Mnangagwa:
<blockquote>
By this Declaration, I also call upon all Zimbabweans of goodwill, including those in the diaspora; the international community, United Nations Agencies, Development and Humanitarian Partners, International Financial Institutions; the private sector, churches and other faith-based organisations, as well as individuals to generously donate towards ameliorating this State of National Disaster…
Preliminary assessments show that Zimbabwe requires in excess of US$2 billion towards various interventions we envisage in the spectrum of our national response.
</blockquote>
Ironically, the declaration of a State of disaster comes as the government is pushing to pass a controversial law, the Private Voluntary Organisations Amendment Bill whose provisions are inimical to freedom of association.
In his address to the nation on Wednesday, April 3, President Mnangagwa revealed that a staggering 80% of Zimbabwe experienced below-normal rainfall.
The anticipated grain yield for the 2023/24 agricultural season in Zimbabwe stands at 868,273 tonnes. However, this falls significantly short of the nation’s food requirements, resulting in a cereal deficit of nearly 680,000 metric tonnes.
To achieve food security, Zimbabwe must secure a minimum of 2.2 million metric tonnes of grains annually.
President Mnangagwa reassured the nation that despite the cereal deficit, imports will play a crucial role in bridging the gap. He said:
<blockquote>
Top on our priorities is securing food for all Zimbabweans. No Zimbabwean must succumb to or die from hunger.
Adequate resources will, therefore, be mobilised and re-directed towards national food security, including through supplementary grain imports.
All available grain in the country will be secured through competitive prices and payment towards encouraging farmers to release and sell available grain, including to the Grain Marketing Board.
A robust and responsive mechanism has been put in place to guarantee that food reaches needy communities timely.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe Seeks US$2 Billion To Avert Famine

According to the latest report from USAID’s Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWSNET), approximately 9,000 cattle in Zimbabwe have succumbed to drought-related conditions. Additionally, over 1.4 million cattle are currently at high risk due to the scarcity of pasture and water.
FEWSNET has issued a warning that the limited availability of pasture during the dry season is likely to result in higher-than-normal livestock deaths. It said:
<blockquote>
In Zimbabwe, over 9 000 drought-related cattle deaths have been reported, and over 1,4 million cattle were reported as being at high risk of drought conditions and death due to lack of pasture and water.
Water and pasture conditions are expected to be poor, especially in typically low-rainfall areas following cumulatively below-average rainfall that has limited pasture regeneration throughout the rainy season.
Poor livestock body conditions, particularly for cattle, will likely lead to higher-than-normal livestock deaths in the dry season as the limited pastures deplete and high prices limit access to supplementary feeds.
</blockquote>
The agency said an increase in human-wildlife conflicts is expected in some areas bordering parks and forests as wild animals seek water and food among communities.
It further asserted that there was an urgent need for comprehensive national assessments of crop conditions, livestock health, and overall livelihood impacts of the extended dry conditions. FewsNet said:
<blockquote>
These assessments are crucial for accurately determining the extent of damage and areas requiring immediate intervention and will not only guide targeted relief efforts but also inform policy development and programme implementation aimed at enhancing agricultural resilience. Further, Member States need to start preparing for in-depth assessments that will inform responses.
</blockquote>
Southern Africa, including Zimbabwe, is experiencing extreme weather patterns due to climate change and El Nino.
El Niño is a natural climate phenomenon characterized by the periodic warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.
In Southern Africa, El Niño tends to bring drier and warmer conditions. Reduced rainfall during El Niño events exacerbates droughts, affects crop yields, and impacts water availability.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

9 000 Cattle Succumb To Drought-related Conditions

The cotton yield in Zimbabwe for the 2023/24 season is anticipated to be the worst in years, primarily due to the devastating impact of the El Niño-induced drought.
In the previous season, the country managed to produce approximately 90,000 tonnes of cotton. This production was mainly carried out by small-scale farmers who participated in the Government’s free input scheme.
While farmer organizations have not yet finalized their production estimates, they anticipate a significantly reduced harvest for the current year.
Cotton farmers in the cotton belt, specifically in Sanyati (Mashonaland West Province) and Gokwe North and South Districts (Midlands Province), have expressed their concern, expecting a record low cotton yield.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/cotton-industry-faces-worst-season-in-years/">The Herald</a>, Tavaziva Munherendi, the leader of farmers in the Gambiza-Machipisa area of Sanyati said:
<blockquote>
This drought is a devastating blow. My expected yield is barely a quarter of what I harvested last year. Some farmers may not even harvest anything at all.
</blockquote>
Elisha Dube, a farmer from the same area, depicted a sombre scene, projecting a meagre yield of only three bales this season—a staggering decline compared to the 27 he reaped last year.
Zimbabwe Farmers Union’s national cotton chairman, Ishmael Pande, also a farmer in Sanyati, pointed out that most of the region last received rains in early January. He said:
<blockquote>
We put in a lot of effort to establish the crop, hoping for a good harvest to benefit the economy and create jobs along the cotton value chain.
Unfortunately, the prolonged dry spell severely impacted the crop. This is a double blow since cotton is a crucial cash crop that thrives in regions like Sanyati.
</blockquote>
Stanford Kambanje, who farms in the Chinyenyetu area of Gokwe North, said the area last received rainfall on 19 January and it has been dry ever since.
Last year, Kambanje earned the prestigious Grower of the Year award after a successful harvest of 57 bales. This year, however, the drought has taken a heavy toll, and he will struggle to even reach four bales.
Gokwe is the country’s largest cotton-producing region, accounting for about 30 per cent of the national output.
Tendai Vherewa from Zhomba, popularly known as Chitekete said she does not expect any yield from the two hectares she planted.
Herdman Siyabuwa Kafunde Simchembo area in Zhomba declared he has never witnessed a drought this severe in his entire lifetime.
Cotton is a major export crop for Zimbabwe. A reduced yield means fewer cotton exports, leading to a decline in export revenue for the country. This can strain foreign exchange reserves and affect the balance of trade.
Moreover, small-scale cotton farmers heavily rely on cotton production for their livelihoods. A poor yield translates to lower income for these farmers. Reduced income can impact their ability to meet basic needs, invest in their farms, and support their families.
Also, companies that supply seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and other inputs to cotton farmers may experience reduced demand. This can affect their revenue and profitability.
The low yields may discourage investment in cotton farming. Investors may shift resources to other crops or sectors, affecting long-term agricultural development.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwean Farmers Anticipate Record-Low Cotton Yields

The Zimbabwean Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, and Rural Development has reported that this year’s maize harvest will be 70% smaller than the previous season due to severe drought damage.
As per the Ministry’s outlook report, Zimbabwe’s maize production is projected to reach approximately 696,116 tonnes, a significant decline from the estimated 2.3 million tonnes for 2023.
 <a href="https://newzwire.live/report-zimbabwe-expects-maize-harvest-to-fall-70-to-lowest-levels-in-nearly-a-decade/">newZWire</a> highlights that this year’s harvest would be the smallest since 2016 when Zimbabwe managed to produce only 512,000 tonnes of maize.
An earlier report by the government last week said maize hectarage fell by 12% this season as farmers planted less. Said the Lands Ministry:
<blockquote>
The Government should aim to close the gap of 318,723 tonnes while the private sector can import as much as they want.
Combining maize, traditional grains and wheat, the strategic grain reserve is 434,293 tonnes excluding the Russia donation to the President of 25,000 tonnes.
</blockquote>
In 2023, Mashonaland West and Mashonaland East produced the most maize. This year, farmers in these two traditionally strong farm provinces were hit by low rainfall. The assessment says the Midlands will have the biggest harvest.
Mash West is projected to produce 290,005 tonnes, down from 523,023 last year. Mash East’s harvest is expected at 225,675 tonnes, from 415,574 tonnes last year.
Midlands will produce 381,056 tonnes, compared to 414,249 tonnes in 2023. The projection for Mashonaland Central is 207,966 tonnes from 342,249 tonnes.
Among the hardest hit provinces is Mat North, where the area planted under maize fell by 30%; the province will produce 95,726 tonnes this year after it performed better than expected last year with 82,739 tonnes.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe’s Maize Harvest To Plummet 70% In Nearly A Decade

The Minister of Justice, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs, Ziyambi Ziyambi, stated that the Government will not hastily declare the El Nino-induced drought a state of disaster.
According to him, the country remains food self-sufficient. During a Senate session on March 14, he outlined mitigation measures, including expanding winter wheat cultivation, utilizing water bodies, drilling boreholes, and providing food relief to vulnerable individuals.
Midlands Senator, Daniel MacKenzie Ncube (ZANU PF), inquired about the Government’s measures to safeguard citizens from potential exploitation during this challenging situation. In response, Ziyambi said (<a href="https://www.zimlive.com/mnangagwa-under-pressure-to-declare-drought-after-national-yield-decimated/">via the Chronicle)</a>:
<blockquote>
As a country, there is no need to panic or to be worried and declare a state of disaster because we have several measures to mitigate the effects.
I am pleased to inform the House that we have several facilities that will help farmers with centre pivots to increase wheat hectarage. Areas where the centre pivot will be placed have already been identified.
We cannot be beggars when we have several water bodies. There is no need to panic, we will be using multifaceted ways to respond to the situation.
As of now, we are still food self-sufficient. We had a good harvest last season, we are providing food aid to those pockets that are insecure.
</blockquote>
Ziyambi said the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) was holding more than 245 000 tonnes of maize from bumper harvests recorded in past years, meaning some households still had grain stocks. He said:
<blockquote>
We are now assessing the projected harvests. What Cabinet has done is to say we have several water bodies, the immediate solution is to put a bigger area under wheat to substitute maize or barter trade.
So at the moment, we are not panicking because we know the measures we have put in place will help and will ensure that even those with an appetite to fleece people, it will not help, we are also drilling boreholes.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development permanent secretary, Obert Jiri, said dry land maize including what was planted under the Pfumvunza scheme and traditional grains are now a complete write-off owing to drought.
Jiri, addressing the Senate thematic committee on peace and security, reported that Zimbabwe anticipates a harvest of 700,000 to 800,000 metric tonnes from all cereals planted during the 2023/24 summer cropping season due to drought. This falls short of the annual national requirement of 1.2 million metric tonnes.
He said The country’s primary reliance is on irrigated crops, which constitute a modest 3 per cent of the total planted crop. Said Jiri:
<blockquote>
The irritated crop is fair to good; we can get five tonnes per hectare. Pfumvunza crop was fairly good but now it’s not anymore. For traditional grains, we are getting a report of a write-off in some areas.
The dry land crop is now a write-off. This is what we are assessing and last time, 60 per cent was stressed. Now we don’t have any.
The only crop that we are basing our hope on is the irrigated crop. We may salvage a few tonnage from traditional grains, a few from Pfumvunza. But we are in a drought situation.
</blockquote>
Jiri told lawmakers that the country expects not more than 800,000 metric tonnes from irrigation schemes and individual farmers who irrigated their grain crops and traditional grains.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe Remains Food Self-Sufficient Despite Drought - Ziyambi

The government has granted permission to companies and individuals to import maize, rice, and cooking oil duty-free with effect from July 2024 to avert looming food shortages emanating from the El Nino-induced drought.
Speaking during a post-Cabinet media briefing on Tuesday, 12 March, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Jenfan Muswere said that among other issues discussed, Cabinet discussed the importance of considering more hectarage for growing rice because of increased rice consumption by the citizens.
He said Cabinet also emphasized the need to support and promote local wheat production to swap wheat for maize to meet maize demand for the nation. Added Muswere:
<blockquote>
The food security strategy is based on the comparative and competitive advantages of wheat this winter.
The consumption of 7.5kg per person per month be used immediately for social welfare and be adjusted after October to 8.5kg per person per month.
The purchase of local grain at an import parity price of US$390 per tonne to mop up excess local grain.
Government has okayed a duty waiver on the importation of rice and potato seed, and the importation of genetically modified maize for stock feed, under strictly supervised milling and distribution.
</blockquote>
The Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Anxious Masuka added that rice and potatoes will be regarded as key staples to ensure national food security.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Govt Okays Duty-free Food Imports, Genetically Modified Maize For Stockfeed

With a food crisis looming in the country due to the current drought, CCC MPs have expressed fears that opposition supporters may be sidelined when the government commences food distribution in the countryside.
The Government last week said that 26 per cent of the country’s population is food insecure for the January to March period.
Matabeleland North is the most affected province with 42 per cent of its 830,000 population in urgent need of aid, compared to just 12 per cent in Mashonaland West province.
Cabinet Ministers have said food distribution is already underway in rural provinces and deny political interference in the process.
However, speaking in Parliament on Wednesday, Chikanga MP Lynette Karenyi (CCC) expressed concerns that the government’s food distribution programme could be manipulated to benefit only ZANU PF supporters. She said, as quoted by <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/mps-sound-alarm-over-partisan-food-distribution-level-of-grain-reserves/">ZimLive</a>:
<blockquote>
I want to find out from the Minister, what the policy is to ensure that people who are conducting the registration process are not going to use political party lines.
Although the law says the village heads are supposed to be apolitical, people who may be linked to the party I belong to will not be registered.
What is the policy about ensuring that the registration is not politicised?
</blockquote>
In response, the Deputy Minister of Public Service and Social Welfare, Mercy Dinha maintained that “no one is supposed to starve.” She said:
<blockquote>
We distribute, we don’t consider the political affiliation of a recipient. We distribute to people belonging to other parties, food is going to those areas because the president is saying no one is supposed to starve.
It means everyone, not ZANU PF members only. So, when we are distributing, we are giving to everyone.
We are leaving no one. It is going to go to all corners of the country.
</blockquote>
Mbizo MP Corban Madzivanyika (CCC) appeared to challenge the government’s claim that there is enough grain in stock to meet national needs. Said Madzivanyika:
<blockquote>
Just last week or two weeks ago, the parliamentary portfolio committee on lands committee on lands, agriculture, fisheries, water and rural development had a meeting with the Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe which indicated that they have enough grain reserves.
A week later, the committee travelled across the country, in particular to Norton and Banket, but then we realised that there were no grain reserves in those areas.
</blockquote>
Public Service and Social Welfare Minister Paul Mavima denied claims the country’s grain reserves were empty saying: “A person cannot conclude after visiting two storage facilities and then conclude for the whole country”.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Opposition MPs Concerned Over Partisan Distribution Of Drought Relief, Level Of Grain Reserves

The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) says tobacco output is predicted to fall to 265 million kilogrammes this season, from 294 million kilogrammes recorded the previous season.
Speaking to the <a href="https://newsday.co.zw/theindependent/local-news/article/200024083/drought-hits-tobacco-output">Zimbabwe Independent</a>, TIMB public affairs officer Chelesani Tsarwe, also said the number of tobacco growers had dropped as a result of the prevailing drought. She said:
<blockquote>
From the crop assessment exercise undertaken, which is a national tobacco forecasting exercise which helps us determine the national yield and production, the board anticipates a yield of 265 million kilogrammes.
(This) is a consequence of the El Niño conditions witnessed in southern Africa starting late last year.
</blockquote>
Tsarwe said farmers will receive 75% of their payments in US dollars this season, with the remainder payable in Zimbabwe dollars. She said:
<blockquote>
When it comes to payment of growers, the board is guided by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ).
For this season, RBZ advised that the foreign currency retention for tobacco growers for the 2023/24 tobacco marketing season was standardised at 75% in line with the retention level for other market players.
Given that the 25% to be paid to tobacco growers in local currency is applied to the net sales proceeds after the settlement of all the loans, levies and other marketing costs, the net effect of this arrangement is that the tobacco grower shall effectively have a foreign currency retention which is higher than 75%.
</blockquote>
Tobacco is one of Zimbabwe’s biggest foreign currency earners. This year’s marketing season will commence on Wednesday next week.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Drought: Tobacco Output Anticipated To Fall

The Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) said that Kariba Dam has less stored usable water (live storage) as of 06 March 2024, compared to the same date last year as the lake level continues to recede due to reduced inflows and reduced rainfall activity.
ZRA is a corporation jointly and equally owned by the governments of Zambia and Zimbabwe, whose primary function is to operate and maintain the Kariba Dam on the Zambezi River.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, 06 March, ZRA said on 6 March 2024, the dam had 15% usable storage, while on the same date last year, stored usable water was 15.15%. ZRA said:
<blockquote>
The Lake level rose from a 1st January 2024 recorded level of 477.24m with 7.80 Billion Cubic Meters (BCM) of stored usable water, representing live storage of 12%, to a peak of 477.87m with 10.68 BCM of stored usable water or 16.49% live storage recorded on 29th January 2024.
During the first week of February 2024, the lake level registered a sluggish increase. It began steadily decreasing thereafter due to low inflow and reduced rainfall activity on and around the lake associated with the below-average rainfall received under the 2023/2024 rainfall season in the Kariba catchment.
Subsequently, the recorded lake level on 6th March was 477.66m with 9.72 Billion Cubic Meters (BCM) of stored usable water or 15.00% live storage.
On the same date last year, the recorded lake level was slightly higher at 477.68m with 9.81 BCM of stored usable water or 15.15% live storage.
</blockquote>
Since 2013, Southern Africa has faced recurrent droughts, leading to a drastic decline in water levels at the Kariba Dam.
By 2019, the dam had fallen to a mere 11 per cent of its total capacity, severely affecting electricity generation.
On 28 November 2022, Zimbabwe ceased electricity generation at the South Power Station of the Kariba Dam (Kariba South).
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Lake Kariba Has Only 15% Usable Storage, Low Rainfall Blamed For Receding Water Level

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said he had discussions with Zambian leader Presiden Hakainde Hichilema on Monday morning to explore collaborative ways to deal with the effects of El Nino-induced drought, reported the <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/president-engages-regional-peers-over-drought/">Chronicle</a>.
Hichilema has since declared Zambia’s drought a state of disaster and emergency, saying the country is likely to face a food crisis and electricity generation curtailments.
Speaking to journalists after officiating at the 56th United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) Conference of Finance Ministers in Victoria Falls yesterday, Mnangagwa said he spoke with Hichilema and another regional leader over the drought issue. He said:
<blockquote>
Currently, there is this eminent El Nino drought, which is affecting Southern Africa. I am in constant contact with my colleagues in Southern Africa and we believe that it is necessary to introduce models of agriculture that mitigate against such events as this drought.
This morning, I was discussing with one or two regional Heads of State. I felt that we need to promote irrigation in our region so that whether there is drought or no drought, at least we have irrigation, and enough hectarage to give food security to our respective countries.
I was discussing with my dear brother HH (President Hakainde Hichilema) this morning and it’s not prudent to divulge that two Heads of State will be discussing an issue until certain things have happened, then you would know that we have been discussing.
</blockquote>
The southern African region is facing one of the worst droughts due to the El Nino weather pattern.
The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) predicted normal to below-normal rainfall for the 2023-2024 farming season.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Mnangagwa Engages Hichilema Over Drought

The bulk of the 2023/2024 maize crop is a complete write-off following below-average rainfall for much of the rainy season, agriculture sector officials have revealed.
Prince Kuipa, field operations director at the Zimbabwe Farmers Union (ZFU) told the <a href="https://newsday.co.zw/theindependent/local-news/article/200023786/maize-crop-a-total-write-off">Zimbabwe Independent</a> that the bulk of the crop across the country is moisture-stressed. Said Kuipa:
<blockquote>
Information coming from our farmers shows that most of the grain has been affected and farmers are considering the maize crop as a write-off.
It is a disaster year. The crop is moisture-stressed. Maybe the government is going to announce a disaster situation so they can mobilise grain and arrange donor funding.
Without anything coming from farms, the government should kick in by importing grain. The private sector can also play its role to make sure that no one dies of hunger.
</blockquote>
The chief executive officer at the State-run Agriculture Rural Development Authority (ARDA) said its crops have also been affected by the drought. He said:
<blockquote>
The 2023/2024 agricultural season has been characterised by below-average rainfall brought about by El Nino.
This has not spared cropping programmes managed by ARDA.
However, we have put in place mitigatory measures to counter the effects and salvage our crop.
</blockquote>
Reports indicate that large swathes of maize crops had wilted and most of the affected crop would not recover even if rains returned as it had reached the permanent wilting point.
In Mashonaland West Province, some farmers had by last week freed livestock to feed on the wilting maize crop, according to some reports.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Maize Crop A Total Write-off - Farmers

Bulawayo City’s water situation has been worsening since 2018 amid indications that the drought experienced during the 2023/24 rainy season could probably be the worst season since independence in 1980.
This was said by Bulawayo City Council (BCC) Director of Engineering Services, Skhumbuzo Ncube, during the stakeholder consultative meeting to unpack the local authority’s service delivery blueprint, which was launched by President Mnangagwa on 01 November 2023. Said Ncube as per<a href="https://cite.org.zw/no-need-to-panic-bulawayo-mayor-assures-residents-amid-water-crisis/"> CITE</a>:
<blockquote>
We have been in this situation since 2018; the water situation has been worsening since 2018, 2019 till date.
Our dams have never been full since 2018; actually, 2024-2025 might be the worst drought since independence. 1982 was even better than this year in 2024.
Currently, our dams are sitting at 43 per cent. You know that around this time, in February to March, this is the peak of the rainy season.
Naturally, we should have our dams around 65-70 per cent full, but we are at 43 per cent.
We have been shedding water; we had 20 hours in 2022, and it moved to 72 hours in August 2022 up to November 26, 2022. We entered 120 hours recently in December. 
So, the situation is becoming worse and worse, and when the situation worsens, we have those high-lying areas—Tashas in Mganwini, Nkulumane, Pumula, Magwegwe, Entumbane, Cowdray Park.
In those areas, when it is like this, they will always have a problem.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, Bulawayo mayor Mayor David Coltart urged residents not to panic saying the local authority has strategies to ensure that taps do not completely run dry during the dry season.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

"2023/24 Drought May Be The Worst Since 1980"

Zimbabwe Farmers’ Union (ZFU) president Abdul Nyathi, has urged the government to revise its 2024 national budget to ensure that more funds are redirected toward buying food.
The call comes amid the prevailing El Nino-induced drought which has resulted in the wilting of crops. This is expected to significantly affect crop yields across the country.
Speaking in an interview with <a href="https://english.news.cn/africa/20240227/0c7403b1458b425da2b193fb6148db42/c.html">Xinhua</a>, Nyathi said global food prices will likely increase if there is a high demand for grain from southern African nations which are reeling under the drought. He said:
<blockquote>
The government should now revisit the budget and redirect it to food procurement and scout where we can get the food.
That should be done as soon as possible because prices will increase internationally as soon as the sellers have concluded that we don’t have anything to eat.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe received relatively good rains at the beginning of January following a dry spell late in 2023.
Farmers whose crops had died due to moisture stress during the prolonged dry spell replanted their fields.
However, the farmers lost out again after the rains stopped toward the end of January, resulting in the second batch of crops wilting again.
Nyathi said although the quality of livestock was still generally good, there was a danger the situation would deteriorate if the drought persisted. He said:
<blockquote>
The state of livestock is still good, but if rains don’t come by April or May, the situation will deteriorate.
We are thinking about destocking, and we are also thinking about supplementary feeding, which also comes from government coffers.
</blockquote>
According to the United Nations World Food Programme, about 2.7 million Zimbabweans will need food during the lean season between October 2023 and March 2024.
But as drought ravages the country, many more will need food assistance as the year progresses.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe Farmers’ Union Calls For Urgent National Budget Revision

The Government says the crop situation in the country is ranging from fair to dire, as the El Niño weather phenomenon destroys the hopes of millions of smallholder farmers.
This came out during a meeting of Ministers of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution held on Friday at a leisure resort about 60 kilometres out of Beitbridge in Matabeleland South Province.
The meeting was aimed at coming up with strategies on how the ministers can mitigate against the possible impacts of drought in their provinces.
Addressing the meeting, Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Anxious Masuka said (<a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/govt-assures-nation-of-food-security-amid-dire-crop-situation">via The Sunday Mai</a>l):
<blockquote>
We meet for our monthly interactive meeting with Ministers of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution and the topical issue is the current El Niño-induced drought.
We get reports from across the country where the crop situation is indicated to be ranging from fair to dire.
This season has clearly lived up to the very harsh El Niño phenomenon that was forecasted.
We did say that the season will be delayed but it has also been indicated that the phenomenon will be short and sharp.
The current weather models are not indicating rain until the end of the month and our crops by that stage would have been severely stressed.
</blockquote>
Masuka said the Cabinet has directed that the Grain Marketing Board (GMB)’s Strategic Grain Reserve must be increased to 1.5 million tonnes to ensure food security. He said:
<blockquote>
As of yesterday (Thursday), GMB only had 200 000 tonnes of grain, but because of the changed structure, deliberation and marketing arrangements, GMB is no longer the monopoly purchaser of grains.
GMB now only purchases surpluses from Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme producers and also self-financed farmers.
AFC and CBZ (banks) no longer go to GMB but directly to contractors and the private sector.
We have a policy that 40 per cent of the annual raw material requirement must be procured through contracting farmers.
The private sector holds 526 000 tonnes that were marketed last year, while GMB has under 200 000 tonnes, a 39 per cent share of marketed crops.
</blockquote>
Masuka said his Ministry had discussions with Vice Presidents Constantino Chiwenga and Kembo Mohadi over the recent nationwide police blitz under the banner “No to land barons”.
He added that an inter-ministerial committee that has been constituted will meet this Monday to receive a report from the Commissioner-General of Police on the operation, after which an announcement will be made. Masuka is chairing the inter-ministerial committee.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Summer Crop Situation Dire; No Rains Forecasted Until End Of February

President Emmerson Mnangagwa is hopeful Zimbabwe’s ailing economy will turn around this year due to an increase in tourist arrivals and the recent discovery of oil and gas in Muzarabani, <a href="https://www.voanews.com/a/president-hopeful-zimbabwe-economy-will-turn-around-in-2024/7420200.html">reported VOA</a>.
However, economists are not as optimistic, as Zimbabwe faces looming famine due to El Nino which is expected to further hurt the country’s agro-based economy.
In a New Year message broadcast to Zimbabweans on national television and social media, Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe was on the path to prosperity.
The President said the mining sector had surpassed the target of $12 billion in 2023, while the country was now food-sufficient. He added:
<blockquote>
I am encouraged by the increased number of both local and international tourists visiting our country.
Equally, investments in new tourism products and facilities which bolstered the sector are a welcome development.
As we drive towards energy self-sufficiency, the discovery of oil and gas in Muzarabani confirms Zimbabwe’s potential as a future producer of gas.
This should translate into meeting our energy demands commensurate with the ever-growing economy.
</blockquote>
In response to Mnangagwa’s speech, Gift Mugano, an economics professor at Durban University of Technology, said:
<blockquote>
We are an agro-based economy. We sneeze when the agriculture sector catches a cold. We know that this year there is a drought.
That will have a devastating impact on the economy. With drought, we will be importing food.
Because of the Russia-Ukraine war, which has seen prices of food, globally, go up around 50%.
We will be forking [out] something in the region of close to $1 billion. Which is almost 20% or so of our total foreign currency receipt.
So this will weigh down on the economy in terms of the economy performance. So, to be quite frank and quite honest, the economy will underperform this year.
Yes, we are talking about the discovery of gas and oil but it’s too early to talk about that development as the driver of the economy.
</blockquote>
Prosper Chitambara, senior economist with the Labor and Economic Development Research Institute of Zimbabwe, said:
<blockquote>
In terms of the discovery of oil and gas, I think it’s going to take a bit of time probably for the country to begin to benefit from this important discovery.
I think there should be some gestation period, which also then allows for the investor to fully set up and start commercial activities.
But overall, this year the economy is expected to grow by 3.5% which is lower than the 5.5% estimated growth there for last year.
</blockquote>
Last month, the World Bank projected Zimbabwe’s economy to slow to 3.5 per cent in 2024, with agricultural output expected to fall due to the El Nino-induced drought.
In its Zimbabwe Economic Report, released Wednesday, 13 December, the Washington-based lender also said weaker global demand for minerals will negatively impact the country’s economic growth.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Mnangagwa Hopeful Zimbabwe's Economy Will Turn Around In 2024

Elephants and other wildlife are dying in Zimbabwe, as an extended dry season has reduced once abundant water holes, to muddy puddles, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) has said.
The 2023/24 rainy seaseon commenced very late due to the ongoing El Niño phenomenon, and dozens of elephants have already died in Hwange National Park, the county’s largest protected area home to about 45 000 elephants.
At least 100 elephants are already reported dead due to lack of water.
Phillip Kuvawoga, the Landscape Programme Director of the International Fund for Animal Welfare, said:
<blockquote>
Elephants and other wildlife species will face a crisis if the rains don’t come soon. In 2019, over 200 elephants died in Zimbabwe due to severe drought; this phenomenon is recurring.
</blockquote>
Despite having 104 solar-powered boreholes, park authorities say it isn’t enough and no match for extreme temperatures drying up existing waterholes, forcing wildlife to walk long distances searching for food and water.
Water-dependent mammals like elephants are among the most affected.
News of the tragedy comes during COP28, while global leaders gather to determine ambition and responsibilities and identify and assess climate measures at the global climate change conference in Dubai.
IFAW’s agenda at COP28 advocates for wildlife conservation as a nature-based solution to tackling climate change. Said Kuvawoga:
<blockquote>
Wild animals protect the carbon already stored in nature, prevent it from being released into the atmosphere, and help nature soak up and store even more carbon.
</blockquote>
The devastating impact of climate change on wildlife and humans calls for an integrated and holistic approach to support climate-resilient landscapes and communities. Added Kuvawoga:
<blockquote>
The anticipated deaths of elephants and other species, such as we are seeing in Zimbabwe right now, must be seen as a symptom of deep-seated and complex challenges affecting the region’s natural resources conservation, aggravated by climate change.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

100 Elephants Succumb To El Nino-induced Drought

The El Nino-induced drought being experienced in Zimbabwe has resulted in the death of livestock especially cattle in Matabeleland South Province.
The <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/southerneye/local/article/200020118/drought-claiming-livestock-in-matabeleland-south">Southern Eye</a> reported that Matobo District is the most affected area where cattle have died due to lack of water and grass while others have been trapped in mud at water points, especially in dams.
According to a report released during the weekend by Habakkuk Trust, in rural communities in Matabeleland South, cattle are dying after being trapped in muddy ponds. It said:
<blockquote>
The prevailing harsh climatic conditions have precipitated an erratic start to the 2023/24 rainy season currently being experienced in most parts of the country.
Zimbabwe is currently at the peak of the ongoing strong El Nino event which is driving below-average rainfall across much of southern Africa.
According to villagers from Gohole in Matobo district, the situation is dire as dozens of cattle succumb to the crisis in an attempt to drink water from muddy ponds that are inside the local dam.
</blockquote>
Feluna Ncube, proportional representation councillor for Gohole in Matobo Ward 20, said:
<blockquote>
We are receiving daily reports of cattle dying from being trapped in the muddy pools of Gohole Dam.
As if it’s not enough, some of our cattle are succumbing to starvation as grazing areas have been depleted and we are losing hope by the day.
</blockquote>
Mary Mhlanga, a member of the Habakkuk Trust Community Advocacy Action Team from Matobo Ward 6 said:
<blockquote>
We are involuntarily slaughtering our cattle every day, especially the ones in calf.
Once a cow in calf drops to the ground, chances of raising it to stand on its feet again are slim and we are left with no option but to slaughter.
</blockquote>
The report further stated that the adverse weather conditions have also affected Bulilima, where wild animals are attacking livestock. It said:
<blockquote>
Hyena invasions are on the rise, compounding livestock losses as the animals are too weak to escape from attacks by these predators.
The climate change-induced weather phenomenon has colluded with worsening economic conditions coupled with a weak climate governance framework much to the detriment of local communities.
The limited adaptation measures to the climate crisis are threatening to severely affect not only the household economic base but also have ripple effects on the local and national economies.
</blockquote>
Villagers from Madlambudzi in Bulilima Ward 11 have since resorted to fetching water from dams to water their livestock.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

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