The Zimbabwe Livelihoods Assessment Committee (ZIMLAC) is currently undertaking its annual rural livelihoods assessment, with a particular focus on evaluating the impact of the El Niño-induced drought on communities across the country.
Coordinated by the Food and Nutrition Council in collaboration with various government departments, the 2024 ZIMLAC Rural Livelihoods Assessment aims to provide insights into the challenges faced by vulnerable rural households.
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Dr. George Kembo, Director-General of the Food and Nutrition Council, emphasised the critical role of the Rural Livelihoods Assessment initiative in addressing food insecurity exacerbated by the El Niño-induced drought.
He highlighted the necessity of understanding the extent to which the drought has affected cereal availability and production, as well as its implications for the resilience and adaptive capacity of affected communities.
Furthermore, Dr. Kembo emphasised the importance of assessing the magnitude of negative impacts on households’ livelihood strategies to facilitate targeted resource allocation to those most in need.
The assessment seeks to inform government decision-making processes and the development of response strategies, encompassing food aid, livelihood options, livestock support, and economic sustainability measures in rural areas.
Enumerators are actively engaged in gathering data from communities to assess their specific requirements.
Chief Nyamaropa’s homestead in Mashonaland Central’s Shamva district is among the areas recently assessed.
The Chief expressed appreciation for the ZIMLAC team’s visit, highlighting the importance of government support in addressing issues such as drought and irrigation infrastructure.
He underscored the need for collective action in combating climate change, emphasising the vital role of both local leadership and government intervention.
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Moreover, the Chief commended ZIMLAC’s assistance in prioritising vulnerable groups, such as orphans, widows, and the elderly, in the distribution of food aid. He emphasised the non-partisan approach in ensuring equitable access to support services.
In addition to assessing food security and nutrition status, the Food and Nutrition Council is evaluating the resilience of households in the face of the El Niño-induced drought.
This comprehensive assessment will inform the development of tailored response strategies to address the multifaceted challenges posed by the drought and support affected communities in building resilience for the future.
