Today, the United States, through USAID, announced an additional $39 million in drought response assistance to the people of Zimbabwe as the lean season – when food is scarcest – approaches. The announcement was made by U.S. Ambassador to Zimbabwe Pamela M. Tremont.
El Niño weather patterns are causing a historic drought throughout southern Africa, including in Zimbabwe, driving higher than average levels of food insecurity and disrupting agricultural production and livelihoods. During the recent October-May agricultural season, 80 percent of Zimbabwe received below-average rainfall, resulting in farmers losing approximately 70 percent of their crops. The Government of Zimbabwe and the United Nations estimate that six million people will require food assistance during the coming November-March lean season.
Through this support from USAID, humanitarian partners will provide over 500,000 people with food assistance during the upcoming lean season; distribute agriculture supplies and livestock to households whose livelihoods have been affected by the drought; and improve access to water for agriculture and consumption. USAID has provided nearly $62 million to respond to humanitarian needs in Zimbabwe since the beginning of Fiscal Year 2024.
The United States stands with the people of Zimbabwe, and we urge other donors to contribute to meeting the humanitarian needs of the Zimbabwean people.