Zimbabwe declares drought a national disaster, following in the footsteps of Malawi and Zambia

Published 2024년 4월 3일

Tridge summary

Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared a national state of disaster in response to a severe drought crisis, significantly impacting the country's agricultural sector, especially corn and cereal crops. This crisis, intensified by the El Niño weather pattern, has led to the driest February in decades across southern Africa, with over 80% of Zimbabwe experiencing below-normal rainfall. As a result, the country faces a major shortage of staple food grains, forcing it to import grain and cancel plans for exporting surplus to Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The drought has led to the destruction of more than 12% of maize cropland, and Zimbabwe now requires up to $2 billion to address the drought's effects. This situation also affects neighboring countries like South Africa, which may need to import corn for the first time since 2017.

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Original content

President of Zimbabwe declares national state of disaster over drought crisis This has had a severe impact on Zimbabwe's agricultural production. Bloomberg news agency reported today (April 3) that the announcement came after two neighboring countries, Malawi and Zambia. A national state of disaster was declared last month. The cause was less than normal rainfall. causing the production of corn, which is the main food Including other cereals were severely affected. As a result, food prices will increase. and create distress for poor households The El Niño weather phenomenon is a key cause of southern Africa's driest February in decades this year. Mr. Emmerson Mnangagwa, President of Zimbabwe Speaking in Harare today, “More than 80% of the country received below normal rainfall. Our nation is facing a shortage of staple food grains. We will have to import grain to make up for the shortage,” he said, adding that Zimbabwe needs up to $2 billion to alleviate the impact of this ...

Source: RYT9