Japan is stepping in to help Zimbabwe’s most vulnerable families as the country battles one of its worst droughts in decades. The El Niño-induced drought has left millions of people struggling to find enough food, and Japan is responding with a $1.4 million aid package that will provide food to about 26,000 households.
Zimbabwe is in the grip of a major food crisis. This year’s drought, caused by the El Niño weather phenomenon, has decimated crops, leaving nearly nine million people without enough to eat. In response, President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared the drought a national disaster, and the United Nations has issued a $429.3 million emergency appeal to address the situation.
Japanese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Shinichi Yamanaka, emphasized the urgency of the crisis during a signing ceremony in Harare, where he announced Japan’s aid package. “This project aims to deliver essential food supplies to those who need it most,” Yamanaka said. The aid package includes staples like maize, rice, vegetable oil, and pulses—basic foods that many Zimbabweans are struggling to afford.
The 2023/24 farming season in Zimbabwe has been catastrophic. The drought has slashed maize production, the country’s main food crop, by 70%. For many families, particularly in rural areas, this has made it nearly impossible to grow or buy enough food.
Billy Mwiinga, deputy director of the World Food Programme (WFP) in Zimbabwe, highlighted the severe impact of the drought on the country’s agriculture. “The drought has hit Zimbabwe hard, putting millions of lives at risk,” Mwiinga said. Japan’s latest donation builds on an earlier contribution of $1.36 million, reflecting the country’s ongoing commitment to helping Zimbabwe through this crisis.
Japan has long been a supporter of Zimbabwe, and this latest donation is part of a broader effort to ensure that the most vulnerable people in the country get the help they need. The WFP, in collaboration with the Zimbabwean government, will use Japan’s funds to provide nutritious food to those at greatest risk, especially during the lean season when food is even scarcer.
Mwiinga stressed that while immediate food aid is crucial, there’s also a need to think long-term. “We can’t just focus on the short-term fix. We need to build resilience so that Zimbabwe can withstand future challenges,” he said.
Deputy Minister of Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare, Mercy Dinha, praised Japan’s support, saying it’s a powerful example of international cooperation. “This aid shows Japan’s strong commitment to helping us, and it highlights how important it is for countries to work together to tackle hunger,” Dinha said.
Dinha reaffirmed the Zimbabwean government’s commitment to working with the WFP and other international partners. These partnerships have been vital in delivering food to those who need it most, and they will continue to play a key role as Zimbabwe navigates its way through this crisis.
Source: Newsday
