Binga communities prepare for drought
Matab eleland North is one of the provinces hardest hit by food shortages leaving thousands of people vulnerable due to drought-induced cattle losses.
A recent Famine Early Warning Network (FewsNet) June 2021 to January 2022 outlook said the province recorded deficits during the 2020/21 agriculture season despite good rains.
“Localised cereal deficits, particularly for maize, are anticipated during the latter part of the consumption year in deficit producing areas of Masvingo, Matabeleland North and South, Manicaland, as well as Midlands provinces,” the report says.
From October through January 2022, food security outcomes in some worse-off typical deficit-producing areas in parts of Masvingo, Matabeleland North and South, Manicaland, and Midlands Provinces are expected to deteriorate, says FewsNet.
It is against this background that the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society (ZRCS) is implementing a forecast-based action project in Binga district focusing on mitigating the effects of drought on communities.
“The project places emphasis on drought risk monitoring and taking early action before the peak of the phenomena,” said ZRCS secretary-general Elias Hwenga.
“Our project team was in Binga recently where they assisted communities to draft early and anticipatory actions to be implemented to reduce the impact of cyclone-induced dry spells/drought.
“The drafting of early and anticipatory actions was an all-inclusive and consultative process comprising of district level stakeholders, Red Cross volunteers and members of the community.
“The government stakeholders and members of the community were also able to identify capacity gaps related to the identified early and anticipatory actions.
The Danish Red Cross is assisting with technical and financial support.