Zimbabwe is in the grip of a severe drought caused by the EI Niño weather phenomenon, leaving millions of people struggling to find enough food. To address this growing crisis, the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society (ZRCS) is stepping in with critical support to help those most in need.
The drought has had devastating effects on the country, leading to widespread food shortages that are hitting the most vulnerable populations the hardest. In response, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has made a public plea for $3 billion in aid, hoping to rally support from international donors and prevent a looming hunger crisis.
In the midst of this emergency, the ZRCS has activated its Early Action Protocol (EAP), a system designed to provide quick and effective responses to disasters before they escalate further. The organization is now rolling out its “second trigger” activities, which are part of a planned series of interventions aimed at mitigating the worst effects of the drought.
The ZRCS’s efforts are focused on the Binga district, one of the areas hardest hit by the drought. Here, they are providing much-needed assistance to families who are struggling to cope. Over the next three months, the organization will distribute cash vouchers to these households, allowing them to buy essential food and supplies.
Initially, the plan was to assist 500 households, but after assessing the situation on the ground, the ZRCS realized the need was far greater. They have now identified over 3,300 households that require immediate help. These include single-parent families, elderly or child-headed households, people living with disabilities, and those who are chronically poor and food insecure.
The cash vouchers are not just a handout; they are a lifeline that enables these families to make their own choices about what they need most. This approach not only provides direct relief but also helps maintain a sense of dignity and autonomy for those receiving aid.
In addition to helping families, the ZRCS is also targeting schoolchildren, who are at risk of dropping out due to hunger. The drought has caused food prices to soar, and many families simply can’t afford to send their children to school when they need them at home to help find food.
To tackle this, the ZRCS is launching a supplementary feeding program aimed at reducing absenteeism. Over 6,000 students across 11 schools in Binga will receive nutritious meals, ensuring that they can stay in school and continue their education despite the challenging circumstances. The program also extends support to satellite learning centers, ensuring that even those in the most remote areas are not left behind.
To make sure everything runs smoothly, the ZRCS is preparing in advance. They are currently procuring supplies like corn-soya blend, pots, and cleaning utensils, which will be delivered to schools during the August holidays. This ensures that when students return to school, the feeding program will be ready to start immediately.
Implementing these crucial interventions hasn’t been without challenges. The ZRCS initially received the green light from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in June 2024, but they faced delays due to the need for further clarifications and procurement issues. Despite these setbacks, the organization remains committed to its mission and is pushing forward to ensure that the aid reaches those who need it most.
The ZRCS will continue monitoring the situation in Binga until September 2024, with follow-up checks scheduled for October to assess the impact of their interventions. They also plan to hold workshops to reflect on lessons learned, ensuring that future responses can be even more effective.
Source: Newsday
