US extends US$39 million drought response aid to Zimbabwe

US Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mrs Pamela Tremont addressing the media in Harare yesterday. Picture Credit: Development Agenda

By Blessing V. Bonga

THE United States of America has announced a US$39 million drought response assistance package to Zimbabwe meant to help the Southern African nation deal with the El Nino induced drought that has left many livelihoods threatened owing to depressed agricultural production.

The rescue package was announced in Harare yesterday by the country’s incoming Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mrs Pamela Tremont during a press briefing. This latest rescue package brings the total to US$62 million that the United States, through USAID, has provided towards Zimbabwe’s humanitarian needs since the start of fiscal year 2024.

“…El Nino and its drought effects have made this a harder year to farm than usual. That is why yesterday (Wednesday), I informed President Mnangagwa, and today I am pleased to announce to you US$62 million in assistance from the people of the United Sates this year to counter the effects of the current drought in Zimbabwe.

“This funding, including US$39 million in additional support, will address short term food insecurity and long-term strategies to improve agricultural practices and strengthen community resilience,” she said.

To date, since the beginning of fiscal year 2024, the humanitarian package that Zimbabwe has benefited from the US revolves around four key areas namely, Food assistance (US$41.3 million); Water, sanitation and hygiene (US$11 million); Agriculture and livelihoods (US$8.1 million) and Protection towards Gender-Based Violence referral and counselling services (US$1.2 million), totalling US$61.6 million.

Tremont added that, through this support from USAID, humanitarian partners will provide food assistance to more than half a million people during the upcoming lean season. The assistance will include, distributing agriculture supplies and livestock to households affected by the drought, and improving access to water for agriculture and consumption.

The Government of Zimbabwe and the United Nations estimate that six million people will need food assistance during the coming November to March lean season, while during the recent October to May agricultural season, 80 percent of Zimbabwe received below-average rainfall, which resulted in farmers losing an estimated 70 percent of their crops.

Ambassador Tremont expressed optimism that during her term, the two countries will deepen their partnership, while advancing mutual interests.

“Zimbabwe has a rich history, enormous human talent, and abundant natural resources. It shows promise as a great leader in Southern Africa and a vibrant participant in global conversations, and the United States seeks to partner Zimbabwe to confront global challenges, such as climate change, pandemic response, and conflict. Zimbabwe’s potential is limitless. We look forward to deepening our partnership to advance our mutual interests,” she added.