Francesca Biagioli Drought in Zimbabwe (but also Malawi and Zambia) has depleted food reserves, leaving millions of people without food. Local communities fight malnutrition as best they can but the problem remains underestimated and no one talks about it
@UNICEF
The situation in several Southern African countries is dire due to an ongoing drought, with Zimbabwe being particularly affected. The country is rapidly depleting its food reserves, exacerbating an already critical malnutrition crisis.
Images from AFP show the severity of the situation in Mudzi villages, where a woman is seen pouring a trickle of water from an almost dry well into a bucket, highlighting the humanitarian crisis unfolding.
The Kapotesa Dam in Mudzi district, once a vital source for crops and livestock, has now turned into a sandy bed with only patches of mud left. Farmers in the area walk among the withered maize stalks, a stark indicator of the drought that has plagued the country for months, leaving millions awaiting food aid.
Daily struggles for water and work
The survival of local families depended on the now-dry dam. Without water, the ability to farm and sell surplus produce has vanished, forcing villagers to walk daily to Kotwa, approximately 3 miles (5 km) away, in search of odd jobs that barely provide subsistence.
With most families forced to cut down on meals throughout the day, malnutrition is becoming increasingly common. District medical officer Kudzai Madamombe reports a 20% increase in malnutrition cases over the past three months.
In response, the community has developed a nutritious porridge made from local, low-cost ingredients like eggs, sugar, and baobab fruit. This simple yet nourishing food is becoming crucial in providing necessary nutrients to children and families, helping to reduce malnutrition despite limited resources.
Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared a state of disaster and called for at least $2 billion to address the crisis. The UN issued a $429 million appeal in June, but the funds received so far have been insufficient. Nearly half of Zimbabwe’s population, about 7.6 million people, urgently need food aid.
Yves Willemot, UNICEF Zimbabwe’s communications officer, stated:
“The crops have not been what they should be. Most people are living in rather desperate situations, lacking access to both water and food.”
Regional impact and call to action
This severe situation, largely overlooked, is not confined to Zimbabwe. Neighboring Malawi and Zambia are also facing harsh drought conditions, with both countries declaring states of emergency.
The ongoing crisis underscores the critical importance of addressing climate change and adopting measures to mitigate its most severe effects.
