Drought could put seven million Zimbabweans at risk in 2027
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on 263Chat
More than seven million Zimbabweans could need food aid in 2027 if an El Niño-linked drought materialises, with the probability estimated at 80%. The government plans to raise grain reserves to 600,000 tonnes and expand irrigation and social assistance, Minister Edgar Moyo said.
More than seven million Zimbabweans could need food aid in 2027 if a drought caused by the El Niño phenomenon materialises, Edgar Moyo, Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, warned at the 2027 National Pre-Budget Seminar in Bulawayo. Weather experts estimate the probability of such an event at 80%, according to the minister, as quoted by 263Chat.
The government is considering increasing strategic grain reserves to 600,000 tonnes and boosting investment in irrigation. It also wants to expand the Pfumvudza/Intwasa conservation agriculture programme and provide cash assistance for vulnerable households, Edgar Moyo said. The seminar, focused on economic transformation and resilience in the face of climate and global shocks, was due to end on Saturday.
The government had already announced the strengthening of resources against the El Niño drought on 30 October, after setting a target of 16 million agricultural plots on 28 October to reduce the effects of the rainfall deficit.
