Where Is the Aid Going? Zimbabwe’s Drought Relief Efforts Supported by Humanitarian Partners

Zimbabwe is facing one of its worst droughts in years, prompting the government to declare a state of disaster. It estimated that 9 million people, about 60% of the population are food insecure because of the El Nino induced drought. 80% of the country received poor rains.

 

To assist millions at risk of hunger, Zimbabwe made a plea for US$3.3 billion in aid.

 

Aid efforts to mitigate Zimbabwe drought

 

The United States said it will provide $39 million in aid to assist  Zimbabwe during the ongoing drought. The US Agency for International Development (USAID) said the money will assist over 500,000 people with food assistance, distribute agriculture supplies and livestock to households the drought has affected.

 

UK announced US$7.2 million package to improve food security and resilience to climate shocks like drought in Zimbabwe.

 

Additionally, Zimbabwe government allocated ZiG154 million towards assisting vulnerable people in urban areas, the money will cater for cash transfers to food insecure households.

 

Apart from availing cash to vulnerable families, the government will provide people facing hunger will receive 7.5kg of maize meal each month from July to September, and 8.5kg from October to March next year.

 

In May, the U.N. humanitarian agency said it will launch an aid appeal of $430 million to assist million people affected by the drought in Zimbabwe.