NGOs join fight against hunger

IN response to the devastating effects of the El Niño drought, non-governmental organisations have committed to helping Government provide essential assistance to affected areas with Care coming up with a comprehensive programme to help 20 percent of the 2,7 million people in the hardest hit communities.

This follows the declaration of a national state of disaster by President Mnangagwa, which underscored the severity of the crisis, with an estimated 2,7 million people in Zimbabwe needing help before the harvest next year.

The El Niño drought has hit all of SADC, but especially the middle zone hence Zambia and Malawi also declaring states of disaster.

Recognising the gravity of the situation, President Mnangagwa has sought international and local assistance to meet the urgent measures required, estimating that Zimbabwe needs US$2 billion to effectively respond to the crisis.

In a virtual meeting of Southern African countries worst hit by the drought, Care director Mr Patrick Sikana unveiled a comprehensive response plan that focuses on providing essential assistance to communities affected by the drought.

“We are launching a comprehensive response plan focused on providing essential assistance to affected communities. This includes support in food and nutrition provision, revenue generation recovery by promoting sustainable farming practices, provision of clean water and sanitation services to mitigate health risks, education, and protection by ensuring access to education for vulnerable groups and raising awareness about gender-based violence and protection mechanisms,” he said.

Mr Sikana said they are targeting provinces and districts that need food assistance.

“We are committed to helping more than 20 percent of the affected population and we can go to any place of need in Zimbabwe.”

Speaking at the same event, the Care director for Southern Africa Mr Matthew Pickard said Care was committed to putting women and girls at the centre of its programmes as these groups often resort to risky coping mechanisms to feed their families.

“We are particularly concerned by the impact of this emergency on women and girls who form the backbone of local communities and have had their farms scorched by the intense heat.

“Our immediate priority is to save lives and alleviate suffering,” added Mr Pickard.

“But we also recognise the need for longterm solutions to build resilience and address the underlying causes of vulnerability,” he said.