USAID Amplifies Support for Food Security and Climate Resilience in Zimbabwe

Editorial

In the face of a looming food crisis and intensifying climate challenges, the United States Agency for International Development’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (USAID/BHA) has reaffirmed its commitment to Zimbabwe, injecting nearly $130 million in support for critical resilience-building and humanitarian efforts in 2024.

Zimbabwe, grappling with prolonged drought and economic volatility, faces an alarming food security crisis. Approximately 7.6 million people—half the population—are projected to experience food insecurity by the end of the year, according to the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET). Drought conditions tied to El Niño have decimated crop yields, leaving the national maize harvest at 60% below the ten-year average.

Bolstering Food Security Amidst Crisis

In 2024 alone, USAID/BHA has delivered emergency food assistance to nearly 360,000 Zimbabweans, combining cash transfers and in-kind aid to address immediate needs. Beyond short-term relief, USAID/BHA is investing heavily in resilience. Working with partners such as the UN World Food Programme (WFP) and UNICEF, the agency is implementing strategies that aim to strengthen local food systems and mitigate future crises.

Through WFP, USAID/BHA is enhancing community resilience by funding farmer training programs and developing sustainable livelihoods such as nutrition gardens and fishponds.

UNICEF has screened over 2 million children under five years old for malnutrition this year, with more than 7,000 treated for severe wasting, demonstrating the agency’s holistic approach to tackling food insecurity and its ripple effects.

Prioritizing Local Solutions

A key highlight of USAID/BHA’s 2024 strategy is its collaboration with Zimbabwean organizations, marking a significant increase in the number of local partners.

In Masvingo Province, USAID/BHA has supported the Mwenezi Development Training Center to restore access to safe drinking water for over 8,600 people by constructing water points and rehabilitating boreholes.

Meanwhile, LEAD Trust is addressing food insecurity in drought-hit Gutu District by promoting home gardens and climate-smart agricultural practices.

The organization is also investing in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure, which plays a dual role in supporting food production and safeguarding public health.

Enhancing Long-Term Resilience

USAID/BHA’s investments extend beyond emergency response. The agency is driving early recovery and resilience programming, with nearly $40.7 million allocated in 2024 to initiatives aimed at mitigating the impacts of future shocks.

Partners such as the Lower Guruve Development Association and Dabane Water Workshops are constructing boreholes and rehabilitating water systems, ensuring communities have access to safe water for both human consumption and livestock needs. This intervention not only addresses the immediate crisis but also strengthens drought resilience.

In addition, USAID/BHA’s local partner Musasa is working to protect vulnerable groups, particularly women and girls, during times of crisis.

The organization provides gender-based violence (GBV) prevention services, safe spaces, and livelihood support, helping crisis-affected individuals build stability and reduce reliance on negative coping strategies.

Strategic Investment in Sustainable Agriculture

USAID/BHA’s flagship Resilience Food Security Activity programs, implemented by CARE and Cultivating New Frontiers in Agriculture (CNFA), represent a seven-year, $130 million commitment to enhancing agricultural productivity and disaster preparedness.

These initiatives are transforming food security in Manicaland, Masvingo, and Matabeleland North provinces by promoting climate-smart practices, boosting household incomes, and improving health outcomes.

CARE’s efforts focus on integrating nutrition and sustainable farming techniques, while CNFA emphasizes disaster preparedness and long-term agricultural resilience.

Together, these programs aim to equip Zimbabwean communities with the tools and knowledge necessary to thrive in the face of climate adversity.

Looking Ahead

As Zimbabwe confronts escalating food insecurity and climate-induced hardships, USAID/BHA’s comprehensive support underscores the importance of multi-dimensional approaches to humanitarian assistance.

By addressing immediate needs, building resilience, and fostering local partnerships, USAID/BHA is not only alleviating hunger but also empowering Zimbabwean communities to secure a more sustainable future.

This renewed commitment highlights the enduring partnership between Zimbabwe and USAID/BHA, reflecting a shared vision for a resilient and self-reliant nation.