Zimbabwe (MNN) — Water is a vital element for survival, and Zimbabweans know its cost all too well. The ongoing drought has placed immense strain on the population, especially farmers, who find themselves in unlikely competition for resources.
For over a year, Zimbabwe and some neighboring countries have endured a severe drought. Despite local and international efforts to address the water crisis, the situation continues to escalate, creating additional challenges. Melinda Kajilima from Trans World Radio describes the impact of the drought:
“There is this wild fruit that we find in bushes. Some people are now taking that to prepare, to cook. But our livestock, they feed on that. It’s now a competition between the people and the livestock.”
Eating livestock feed is just the tip of the iceberg. While both rural and urban areas are severely affected by the drought, farmers bear the greatest burden. Kajilima explains, “With the drought, severe food insecurity has been experienced.” Relying on subsistence farming for survival, rural Zimbabweans have been unable to grow enough crops, especially maize. Without these essential harvests, securing a proper meal becomes nearly impossible. As a result, over 7.7 million people in Zimbabwe face hunger, and an increasing number of children are being hospitalized due to severe malnutrition.
(Photo by Lil Artsy, courtesy of Pexels, https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-photography-of-corn-3040710/)
With their resources depleted, many rural families placed their hope in relatives living in cities. However, the drought has also affected urban areas. “They are no longer able to [fend] for them, and that even makes it even worse for those in the rural areas,” Kajilima adds. In many regions, access to tap water is nonexistent, forcing people to travel long distances to find it. Across Zimbabwe, communities are on the brink of survival.
Neighboring countries like Zambia are also grappling with drought, compounding the crisis.
“The government realized the need and [has] taken it upon them to be able to partner with organizations, with churches, in providing immediate relief for those that are affected,” Kajilima says.
Local churches, the government, and international organizations are working together to find solutions. However, addressing one problem often reveals another, as the root cause — drought — remains unsolved and spans a wide geographical area.
The situation opens the door for God’s miracle. Join Zimbabwean churches in prayer for a lasting solution.
“Pray for the rains,” urges Kajilima, “that God will send the rains to replenish the land and yield a good harvest, providing food for the people. Pray for those affected by the drought, that they may find strength, resilience, and hope, and that their faith may sustain them through this difficult time.”
Join Kajilima and the TWR Africa team as they encourage Zimbabweans during this time of drought.
Header photo of Harare, Zimbabwe is a representative stock photo courtesy of Pixabay.
