In a significant boost to combat the impending food insecurity crisis induced by El Niño, Zimbabwe has been granted US$1.36 million (¥200 000 000) by Japan. This crucial aid, handed over to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) on Tuesday, is earmarked to provide essential nourishment to the nation’s most vulnerable populations.
According to a report by Newsday, Japanese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Shinichi Yamanaka, announced that the donation includes 1,304 tonnes of cereals, such as Japanese rice, pulses, and vegetable oil, aimed at supporting food-insecure communities across the country. “Japan is committed to supporting communities in need of emergency food assistance,” Yamanaka stated, expressing hope that the assistance would help vulnerable Zimbabweans navigate through the crisis.
This gesture reinforces Japan’s longstanding commitment to aiding Zimbabwe’s fight against hunger. Since 2019, Japan’s contributions to WFP-supported food assistance and resilience-building initiatives in Zimbabwe have exceeded US$25.5 million, playing a critical role in supplementing the government’s food deficit mitigation strategy and preventing hunger-related fatalities.
The looming El Niño phenomenon threatens to exacerbate the food security situation in Zimbabwe, a country already grappling with the adverse effects of climate change and poor rainfall. Over two million Zimbabweans are reported to be food insecure, a situation the government vows to address through food imports, despite being reticent about the nation’s grain stock levels.
Francesca Erdelmann, WFP’s representative and country director, expressed gratitude for Japan’s generosity, noting that the donation would significantly aid in alleviating hunger and enhancing the welfare of those in dire need. “The coming lean season could see more people requiring food assistance due to the impact of El Niño,” Erdelmann highlighted, underscoring the timeliness and importance of Japan’s contribution.
As Zimbabwe braces for an El Niño-induced drought, concerns mount over its potential to further destabilize the already fragile economy, elevate living costs, and plunge more citizens into poverty. The World Bank’s recent economic review update for Zimbabwe forecasts a downturn in the economy in 2024, accentuating the urgency of international support and effective climate resilience strategies.
