El Niño’s Impact: Oblates’ Lifeline for Zimbabwe’s Affected Communities
Zimbabwe
Originally Published on OMIWORLD.ORG
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By Lucky MANDAVA OMI
El Niño is a naturally occurring weather phenomenon caused by disruptions in wind patterns, leading to warmer ocean surface temperatures in the eastern and central Pacific. Oblates in Zimbabwe minister to starving communities, particularly in rural areas. Many Zimbabweans are now dependent on food aid for survival.
Contextual Overview
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) confirmed an intense El Niño event between October 2023 and March 2024. This event is expected to affect rainfall patterns adversely during this period, potentially leading to drought conditions in Zimbabwe. Expected impacts include delayed rainfall and prolonged dry spells, which could severely affect food production and disrupt the supply chain. Regions with historically lower rainfall levels are particularly vulnerable to drought, potentially resulting in widespread crop failure, livestock deaths, increased disease outbreaks, crop pests, and « WASH » challenges (water, sanitation, and hygiene), which could negatively affect nutrition.
According to forecasts from the Meteorological Services Department (MSD), the most potent effects of El Niño are expected to be felt in the southern parts of the country, stretching from west to east. These areas, which also experienced high levels of food insecurity during the 2015/16 El Niño episode, include Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South, Midlands, Masvingo, and Manicaland. Additionally, there are isolated pockets of food insecurity in the Northwest and Northeast regions. El Niño weather phenomenon appears on average every two to seven years, typically nine to twelve months, and can cause extreme weather events such as tropical cyclones, prolonged droughts, and wildfires.
The Reality on the Ground
Many Zimbabweans are now dependent on food aid for survival. The crisis has been exacerbated by an El Niño-induced drought that has affected several southern African nations, including Zimbabwe. The Zimbabwean government estimates that 2.7 million people will face hunger this year, though the number could be higher. The government has declared the drought a national emergency. “When you drive around, you see many crops have wilted,” said World Food Program acting country director Christine Mendes in Buhera, about 220 km (140 miles) southeast of the capital, Harare.
The Oblate Response to the Drought in Zimbabwe
Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate minister to starving communities in rural areas in Zimbabwe. In response to this crisis, the Oblates have reached out to potential donors to fund food assistance initiatives, collaborating with other humanitarian agencies already providing relief to starving communities. We have received positive responses from some of our sister provinces in America and Europe. With these contributions, we have begun distributing food aid in our apostolate areas, primarily targeting households in dire need in the Archdiocese of Bulawayo and the Catholic Diocese of Masvingo. We continue to pray and hope for more support to sustain this outreach during Zimbabwe’s critical time of need.