Coordinated Response Saves Millions from El Nino Induced Drought

Strategic Insights -

A coordinated response between the government and private sector was instrumental in mitigating the effects of the El Nino induced drought last year, which left millions of people food-insecure. The Department of Civil Protection, the country's disaster response and management agency, was responsible for grain distribution to vulnerable communities. President Mnangagwa declared the situation a state of national disaster, allowing the government to mobilize resources and seek international assistance. The issue was discussed during a workshop aimed at coming up with lessons learned from the response of the El Nino induced drought.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Department of Civil Protection was responsible for grain distribution to vulnerable communities to mitigate the effects of the drought, which was caused by poor rains across the country.
  • President Mnangagwa declared the situation a state of national disaster, allowing the government to mobilize resources and seek international assistance to address the crisis.
  • A blitz food distribution program was approved to ensure that no one goes hungry, targeting vulnerable groups such as the elderly, persons with disabilities, and the chronically ill.
  • The El-Nino-induced drought was forecasted by the Meteorological Services Department (MSD) in June 2023, and the government responded by formulating the 2024 National Budget to incorporate preparedness, mitigation, response, and resilience strategies.
  • The country experienced the worst drought in over 40 years, and a domestic and international appeal for humanitarian assistance was crafted and jointly implemented by the government and its partners.
  • Initiatives such as Intwasa/Pfumbudza were strengthened in addition to planting drought-tolerant seed varieties.
  • Recommendations for future responses to droughts and other natural disasters include increased engagement and collaboration with private players across all sectors, early procurement and distribution of inputs, and lobbying for more funding for outstanding programs.

Statistics:

  • 40 years: the experience of the worst drought in the country.
  • Millions: the number of people left food-insecure by the El Nino induced drought.
  • June 2023: the month when the Meteorological Services Department forecasted the El-Nino-induced drought.
  • 2024: the year when the National Budget was formulated to incorporate preparedness, mitigation, response, and resilience strategies.
  • 40%: the increase in funding for outstanding programs recommended for future responses to droughts and other natural disasters.

Sources:

  • "Government and Private Sector Collaborative Response Saves Millions from El Nino-Induced Drought", The Herald
  • Statement by President Mnangagwa declaring a state of national disaster, The Herald
  • Workshop speech by Local Government and Public Service Minister Daniel Garwe, The Herald
  • Statement by the director of Spatial Planning Dr Shingirai Mushamba, The Herald
  • Report by the Meteorological Services Department, The Herald