Online Reporter
Raymond Jaravaza, Online Reporter
THE Civil Protection Unit (CPU), the country’s disaster response and mitigation agency, has said that no one died of hunger as a result of last year’s El Niño-induced drought.
A devastating drought was recorded last year after farmers lost entire crops due to low rainfall in the 2023/24 rainy season.
Livestock also died owing to scarce water and shortages of pastures.
The Government responded by declaring the drought a national disaster.
“In the agricultural sector, several interventions were implemented in response to the El Niño drought such as hay bailing for livestock. In crop production, initiatives such as Intwasa/Pfumvudza were strengthened in addition to planting drought-tolerant seed varieties.
“The CPU didn’t record cases of anyone succumbing to the drought,” said CPU chief director Mr Nathan Nkomo. He was speaking in Bulawayo at a workshop on the El Niño drought response lessons learnt.
CPU said some of the recommendations for future responses to droughts and other natural disasters include increased engagement and collaboration with private players across all sectors.
“Early procurement and distribution of inputs is vital, as well as lobbying for more funding for outstanding programmes. Underground water mapping in the driest regions of the country is also important in mitigating against the effects of a drought in future,” said Mr Nkomo.
