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Zimbabwe

WFP Zimbabwe El Niño Response

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Background

El Niño is a recurring weather phenomenon in Zimbabwe that usually results in below average crop output. The previous El Niño events affected Zimbabwe in 2015/16 and 2019.

In 2023, late summer rains delayed planting until early December. In February 2024, most of the country experienced a catastrophic 30- day dry spell despite average rainfall in late December and early January in most maize planting areas. This and extreme aboveaverage temperatures during the cereal growth stages caused crop failure in most of the country. In the winter months of June to October, poor pasture quality and a lack of drinking water will also adversely impact the livestock sector.

According to the Zimbabwe Livelihoods Assessment Committee (ZimLAC) report, 5.9 million people in rural areas and 1.7 million people in urban areas will be food insecure during the peak of the lean season (January to March 2025. In support of the national response, The United Nations Humanitarian Country Team has put out an appeal targeting 4.5 million in rural areas and 1.5 million in urban.