Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared a state of national disaster as the country grapples with its worst drought crisis in years. The severe drought, stemming from the El Nino global weather pattern, has left over 2.7 million Zimbabweans facing starvation.

Mnangagwa emphasized the urgent need for over $2 billion to address the crisis, with a focus on winter cropping to bolster food reserves. He highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts with the private sector to import grains and alleviate the dire situation.

The impact of the drought extends beyond Zimbabwe, with neighboring countries like Zambia and Malawi also issuing similar declarations. Projections indicate a 60% deficit in the overall cereal harvest in Zimbabwe, affecting various regions and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

The World Food Programme has classified the situation in Zimbabwe as critical, mirroring challenges faced by Angola, Botswana, Madagascar, and Mozambique. The collective response to this crisis will be crucial in providing relief to millions of people in Southern Africa.