US pledges $39 million to fight hunger in drought-hit Zimbabwe

US pledges $39 million to fight hunger in drought-hit Zimbabwe

By AFP


HARARE: The United States said Thursday it will provide $39 million in aid to Zimbabwe as millions in the African nation struggle to put food on the table.

The US Agency for International Development (USAID) said the money will help provide 500,000 people with food assistance and distribute agriculture supplies and livestock.

“During the recent October-May agricultural season, 80 percent of Zimbabwe received below-average rainfall, resulting in farmers losing approximately 70 percent of their crops,” USAID said.

US Ambassador Pamela Tremont told a press conference in Harare the relief package “will address short term food insecurity and long term strategies to improve agricultural practices”.

Since the beginning of the year, Washington has given nearly $62 million in aid to Zimbabwe, Tremont said.

Zimbabwe, which has strained diplomatic relations with the United States, is one of a band of countries in Southern Africa experiencing food shortages due to a prolonged, severe dry spell which has been exacerbated by the El Nino climate phenomenon.

In May, President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared a state of disaster, saying Zimbabwe needed at least two billion dollars to respond to the drought.

Authorities estimate about six million people will require food assistance during the November to March lean season when food is scarcest.

Earlier this week, Information Minister Jenfan Muswere said that people facing hunger will receive 7.5 kilogrammes (16.5 pounds) of maize meal each month from July to September, and 8.5 kilogrammes from October to March next year.