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Food supply

Coordinated Response Saves Millions from El Nino Induced Drought

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

A coordinated response between the government and private sectors was instrumental in mitigating the effects of the El Nino induced drought last year. The Department of Civil Protection, led by President Mnangagwa's declaration of a national disaster, mobilized resources and secured international assistance to address the crisis. A joint flash appeal managed to raise US$143 million out of a targeted US$429.3 million, representing 33 percent of the goal. The country's disaster response systems were put to the test, but the swift action ensured that no one succumbed to the drought.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Department of Civil Protection played a crucial role in coordinating the response to the El Nino induced drought, including grain distribution to vulnerable communities.
  • President Mnangagwa's declaration of a national disaster allowed the government to mobilize resources and seek international assistance to address the crisis.
  • A joint flash appeal between the government and the UN Resident Coordinator managed to raise US$143 million out of a targeted US$429.3 million.
  • Several interventions were implemented to prepare communities for future dry spells, including hay bailing for livestock, initiatives such as Intwasa/Pfumbudza, and planting drought tolerant seed varieties.
  • The country's disaster response systems were able to distribute food to vulnerable groups, including the elderly, persons with disabilities, orphaned and child-headed households, and the chronically ill.
  • Some of the key recommendations for future responses to droughts and other natural disasters include increased engagement and collaboration with private players, early procurement and distribution of inputs, lobbying for more funding, and underground water mapping in the driest regions of the country.
  • The government responded to the drought by formulating the 2024 National Budget to incorporate preparedness, mitigation, response, and resilience strategies.
  • The Domestic and International Appeal for humanitarian assistance was jointly implemented by the government and its partners, and a blitz food distribution program was approved to ensure no one goes hungry.

Statistics:

  • US$143 million raised out of a targeted US$429.3 million from the joint flash appeal, representing 33 percent of the goal.
  • US$3 billion appeal budget for the Domestic and International Appeal.
  • 33 percent of the targeted US$429.3 million raised from the joint flash appeal.
  • No reported cases of deaths due to the drought.
  • Several interventions were implemented to prepare communities for future dry spells, including hay bailing for livestock and planting drought tolerant seed varieties.

Sources:

  • The Herald, "Workshop discusses lessons learnt from El Nino drought" [https://www.herald.co.zw/workshop-discusses-lessons-learnt-from-el-nino-drought/](https://www.herald.co.zw/workshop-discusses-lessons-learnt-from-el-nino-drought/)
  • The Herald, "El Nino drought tested systems, revealed strengths and areas for improvement: Minister" [https://www.herald.co.zw/el-nino-drought-tested-systems-revealed-strengths-and-areas-for-improvement-minister/](https://www.herald.co.zw/el-nino-drought-tested-systems-revealed-strengths-and-areas-for-improvement-minister/)

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