Op-ed by FAO Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa
By Patrice Talla
Zimbabwe officially removed from Hunger Hotspots List: A testament to resilience and partnership
In a significant stride towards food security, Zimbabwe has been officially removed from the Hunger Hotspots list, according to the latest joint FAO-WFP report, developed and published with financial support from the European Union through the Global Network Against Food Crises (GNAFC).
This milestone, marks a turning point for the nation, demonstrating the tangible impact of concerted efforts to tackle food insecurity and malnutrition, and improve livelihoods.
A time to celebrate and to reflect
As the FAO Representative in Zimbabwe, I am proud to having contributed to this achievement.
For Zimbabwe, exiting the Hunger Hotspots list represents more than just a statistical shift; it signifies renewed hope, enhanced stability, and the potential for accelerated economic and social development.
The designation as a “hunger hotspot” carries significant weight, often triggering emergency aid and focusing attention on immediate needs.
Removing this label allows Zimbabwe to shift its focus towards long-term sustainable development, fostering resilience within its food systems, and attracting investments in critical sectors.
The hunger hotspots framework: A critical early warning system
For years, FAO and WFP have collaborated through the Hunger Hotspots program to identify regions facing acute food insecurity, driven by factors like conflict, climate shocks, and economic instability.
This framework serves as an early warning system, alerting the international community to impending crises and enabling timely interventions.
Being on this list means that Zimbabwe faced significant challenges in ensuring its population had consistent access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food.
Over the past decade, Zimbabwe has been flagged multiple times, particularly during periods of severe drought and economic instability, highlighting the persistent vulnerability of communities.
From 2014 to 2019 Zimbabwe was placed on the list as more and more households began to experience food insecurity. The country was on the list a total of 6 times in the last 10 years.
A collaborative effort: Government leadership, FAO technical assistance
The journey towards food security has been a collaborative one, spearheaded by the Government of Zimbabwe with robust support from FAO, and wise investments from various donors and funding partners.
The Zimbabwean government’s commitment to addressing food insecurity has also been commendable.
By launching national programs aimed at improving agricultural practices and nutrition, the government has laid the groundwork for a more food-secure future.
Initiatives such as the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) have prioritized food security as a key pillar, seeking to create a sustainable agricultural sector that can withstand external shocks.
The government has also implemented key reforms, including support for smallholder farmers, improved access to essential agricultural inputs like seeds and fertilizers through the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme and the promotion of climate-resilient farming practices.
Building resilience from the ground up
FAO, with unwavering support from its donor partners, has been instrumental in providing technical expertise, capacity building, and targeted interventions to address the root causes of food insecurity in Zimbabwe. Our efforts have focused on several key areas:
Promoting climate-smart agriculture: Recognizing the increasing impact of climate change, we have supported the adoption of drought-resistant crop varieties, conservation agriculture techniques, and improved water management practices.
Strengthening agricultural value chains: We have worked with farmers to improve post-harvest handling, storage, and marketing of their produce, ensuring they receive fair prices and reducing food losses.
Enhancing animal production
Livestock is a vital source of income and nutrition for many communities. We have provided training and support to improve animal health, breeding, and management practices.
Supporting policy and institutional strengthening: FAO has worked closely with the government to develop and implement policies that promote food security, sustainable agriculture, and natural resource management.
Lessons learned and the path ahead
Zimbabwe’s progress underscores the importance of sustained commitment, strategic investments, and effective partnerships in achieving food security. However, challenges remain.
Economic instability, inflation, and infrastructure gaps continue to hinder progress. Climate change, with its increased frequency of droughts and extreme weather events, presents an ongoing threat.
It is crucial that we maintain vigilance and build on the successes achieved.
Moving forward: A call to action
The removal of Zimbabwe from the Hunger Hotspots list is a significant achievement, but it is not the end of the journey. To solidify these gains and ensure long-term food security, we must:
Consolidate progress: Expand successful programs and interventions, focusing on innovation and technological advancements in agriculture.
Address remaining challenges: Tackle economic vulnerabilities, invest in infrastructure, and strengthen social safety nets for vulnerable populations.
Enhance resilience: Continue to promote climate-smart agriculture, diversify livelihood options, and strengthen early warning systems.
The story of Zimbabwe’s progress is a testament to the power of collective action and a beacon of hope for other nations facing similar challenges.
By continuing to work together, we can build a future where everyone has access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food.
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For more information, please contact:
Donald Tafadzwa Chidoori, FAO/ Subregional Office for Southern Africa:
Tel: +263 719 207 340
