In July of 2024, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) announced more than $39 million of assistance for Zimbabwe in the face of extreme food insecurity. The landlocked African country has encountered increasing rates of food insecurity following poor weather and droughts. These weather patterns have increased food insecurity in Zimbabwe and impacted the nation’s economy and agricultural infrastructure. Foreign assistance from organizations such as USAID can often make all the difference in the developing world. Here is what you need to know about U.S. foreign aid for Zimbabwe.

Weather Patterns Exacerbate Suffering in Zimbabwe

The Global Hunger Index has identified severe food insecurity in Zimbabwe that has only worsened with persistent droughts. Considering the existing food insecurity in the country, the El Niño weather patterns and the subsequent droughts plaguing sub-Saharan countries have worsened an already severe situation of food insecurity in Zimbabwe. Throughout the 2024 October-May agricultural season, around 80% of Zimbabwe received reduced rainfall, which resulted in the loss of almost 70% of crops across the country. Consequently, the Government of Zimbabwe has predicted that around 6 million citizens will require food assistance in the coming months.

Additionally, hits to the agricultural sector have numerous implications for Zimbabweans’ economy and general livelihoods. Thus, changes in weather patterns imply more than just elevated rates of food insecurity; they can also have resounding impacts across multiple sectors of the country’s infrastructure. The International Trade Administration (ITA), a subsection of the United States Department of Commerce, addresses the importance of the agricultural sector for Zimbabwe’s economy by stating that “Zimbabwe’s economic growth potential largely depends on developments in its agricultural sector.” The farming industry in the country is responsible for millions of jobs, 30% of export earnings, 15% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and the livelihoods of more than 60% of the population of Zimbabwe heavily rely on the success 

USAID’s Plan for Improvement

USAID recognizes agriculture’s critical role in the economy of Zimbabwe and has prioritized foreign aid to the nation for many years. Most recently, USAID announced $39 million in aid to help Zimbabwe address the impacts of weather change on its agriculture, bringing the total foreign assistance for the 2024 fiscal year to $62 million. In 2019 and 2020, USAID provided $86.9 million to combat food insecurity caused by droughts during the 2019-2020 agricultural season.

With the recently announced $39 million in aid from USAID, humanitarian partners will have the funding to support more than 500,000 severely food-insecure people during the 2024/2025 lean season. USAID partners provide food assistance in response to drought impacts, distribute supplies and livestock and improve water quality and sanitation for both consumption and agriculture, making a significant difference for thousands of Zimbabweans facing extreme food insecurity.

Final Note

Zimbabwe has frequently faced severe food insecurity due to its heavy reliance on agriculture for sustenance and economic stability. Weather changes have significantly disrupted everyday life in recent years, prompting USAID to provide critical funding to support the country’s humanitarian partners. In 2018 and 2019, droughts caused substantial crop losses during the agricultural season, leading to similar nationwide consequences as those seen in the 2023-2024 season. These recurring weather patterns have exacerbated Zimbabwe’s vulnerability to food insecurity, underscoring the ongoing need for support from USAID and other foreign aid initiatives.

– Juliana Granville

Juliana is based in Brooklyn, NY, USA and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr