Zimbabwe remains critically food insecure a situation that has been exacerbated by prolonged drought, erratic rains and an ailing economy, a report by Global Food Crisis Report Forecast (GFCRF) has revealed. According to Zim Morning Post, a joint report by the European Union, FAO, OCHA, UNICEF, USAID and WFP has estimated that 4.3 million rural Zimbabweans are in urgent need of food aid.
FAO Representative Jocelyn Brown Hall speaking about the food crisis in Zimbabwe said:
Measures to curb the further spread of COVID-19 have the potential to impact negatively on the food system in Zimbabwe, such as through restricted access to markets by both farmers and consumers, and a glut of perishable nutritious foods like fruits and vegetables. Deliberate measures are needed to prevent and mitigate against these.
Jocelyn Brown Hall’s sentiments were further confirmed by WFP country director Eddie Rowe who said:
Millions of Zimbabweans are already struggling to put food on the table, having faced prolonged drought and economic hardship for some time. It is imperative that we unite, to fight the COVID-19 pandemic in Zimbabwe and provide urgent food assistance safely to prevent an already vulnerable population from slipping deeper into this hunger crisis,
WFP said it was mobilising $130 Million to help starving Zimbabweans.
More: Zim Morning Post