Farirai Machivenyika
Senior Reporter
At least 7,5 million people could require food assistance next year if an El Niño-induced drought materialises, Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Edgar Moyo has warned.
Minister Moyo said weather experts had put the probability of an El Niño-induced drought at 80 percent, prompting Government to activate disaster-response mechanisms ahead of the potentially severe dry spell.
He was speaking at the ongoing Parliament 2027 Pre-Budget Seminar in Bulawayo.
“A drought of this magnitude will mean at least 7,5 million people will require food assistance next year,” Minister Moyo said.
He said the Ministry had already started activating mechanisms to assist communities likely to require drought relief, with Government putting measures in place to strengthen food security and protect vulnerable households.
Among the measures being pursued is the building of strategic grain reserves to 600 000 tonnes, while Government is also expanding irrigation systems this farming season to reduce the country’s dependence on rainfall.
The authorities are also promoting the Pfumvudza/Intwasa conservation agriculture programme as part of efforts to improve crop production and enhance household resilience in the event of poor rainfall.
Minister Moyo said Government would also provide cash assistance to deserving households as part of its social protection response to the anticipated drought.
Meanwhile, Minister Moyo said pension payouts by the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) would be increased following recommendations from an actuarial evaluation.
“NSSA pension will be increased this month but are likely to be paid out beginning next month,” he said.
