Gwanda Drought Relief Program 2025

We urgently call on you to help us alleviate a severe humanitarian crisis in Zimbabwe. The devastating 2024 El Niño event has triggered one of the most extreme droughts in 40 years, impacting nearly half of Zimbabwe's population—7.6 million people, including 3.5 million children. The situation is even more dire in rural areas, affecting 5.9 million people compared to 1.7 million in urban centres. Projections suggest that during the peak hunger period from January to April 2025, the number of food-insecure individuals could double from 4.1 million to 7.6 million.

Our needs assessments in Gwanda, Matabeleland South province, have revealed the harsh realities faced by local communities. They have shared heart-wrenching insights such as:

• “Many livestock perished due to the recent drought; people lost their source of income, and as a result, many households did not plough enough due to lack of rain.”
• “Many people do not have enough money to purchase food and other basic household needs.”
• “Many families eat one meal per day; worse still, the meals are not of a balanced diet, and sadly, some go the entire day without eating.”
• “There is great need for school supplementary feeding.”
• “The Department of Social Services once provided supplementary feeding in schools but has since stopped, yet the need is huge. Supplementary feeding would help reduce absenteeism.”

In response, our relief operation is structured around two vital components:

1. Food Distributions: We will deliver essential food parcels directly to families most in need, providing immediate relief during this challenging period. It is estimated that as little as $9.96 can feed one person for an entire month, highlighting the significant impact that even modest donations can have.
2. School Supplementary Feeding Programme: This initiative aims to supply nutritious meals to schoolchildren, thereby reducing absenteeism and helping to ensure that children remain in school, which is critical for their future.

Why Your Support Matters:

By supporting our operation, you will play a pivotal role in safeguarding the lives and futures of Zimbabwe’s most vulnerable communities. Your generous donation will directly contribute to providing life-saving food assistance and supporting educational initiatives in a region where the need is both urgent and immense.

£50: Will secure 1 Food Parcel which provides a nutritious food parcel to a family of six for a month.

Join us to bring hope and help to over 14 000 individuals in 2025!

For help in kind and clothing donations please email projects@yananai.org 

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