Govt appeal for assistance, as drought takes toll ...

Govt appeal for assistance, as drought takes toll on the country

Oscar J Jeke

Zim Now Reporter

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has extended a call for help to both local and the international well-wishers to assist the country in mitigating food shortages brought about by the EL Nino phenomenon amid the declaration of a national disaster for the current season.

The call comes at a time when government has revealed that the expected harvest output for this drought stricken season is 868 273 metric tonnes, with a deficit to national consumption of over 600 000 metric tonnes.

Speaking to members of the media at the post-Cabinet briefing in Harare on Tuesday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services minister, Jenfan Muswere, said that the appeal for assistance arises from the declaration of a national disaster by President Mnangagwa, hence a formal appeal statement is to be issued in the coming days.

The minister also noted that, the appeal places basis on three key factors that include search and rescue, mitigation, and resilience building.

“….presented the 2024 El Nino-Induced Drought: Domestic and International Appeal for Assistance by His Excellency the President, Cde. Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa, which was adopted by Cabinet.

“The public is informed that the His Excellency the President, Cde. Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa declared a State of Disaster on 3 April, 2024. The declaration was made in terms of section 27(1) of the Civil Protection Act as a result of the prevalent drought brought about by the El Nino weather phenomenon. The state of disaster exists in all rural and urban areas in Zimbabwe.

“The Appeal is premised on three areas, namely: Search and Rescue; Mitigation; and Resilience Building. Search and rescue involves the identification and provision of assistance to beneficiaries, while mitigation relates to the measures put in place to avert the impact of the El Nino-induced drought.

“Resilience pertains to initiatives aimed at strengthening community capacities for sustainable livelihoods in order to cope with the disaster.

“A full Appeal statement will be issued in due course,” he said.

The grain deficit will affect more than 2 million people, requiring over US$2 billion to cover to alleviate food security challenges facing the nation.