Marineuza Pontes, a 50-year-old teacher from the Santo Antonio community, shared the devastating impact the drought is having on daily life. "I was born and raised here, and we've rarely seen the river like this. In the past, it would dry up every seven or eight years, but now it's happening back-to-back. Last year the river dried up completely, and this year it's the same," she said.

The drought has also caused severe electricity shortages, leaving residents without power. "Our biggest problem is the lack of electricity," Pontes explained. "We have to walk a kilometre just to get ice, which we need to keep our food from spoiling. Our diet relies heavily on fish, and without ice, preserving it becomes impossible." 

Tourism in the region has also taken a hit as Cilene Santos, a 47-year-old tour guide, described the challenges of navigating the dried-up rivers. "The sandbanks are everywhere, and we constantly worry about our boat hitting one and damaging the propeller," she said.

Authorities have declared a "critical water resource shortage" in the region as water levels in the rivers remain well below their seasonal averages. The Belo Monte hydroelectric plant is operating at reduced capacity due to the drought, further compounding Brazil's energy challenges.

Manager of Research and Monitoring at the public company TAPA-EP, Rigoberto Guerrero reports that the water flow in key rivers such as Tomebamba, Yanuncay, and Tarqui has dropped to critically low levels, with flows of less than one cubic metre per second. 

He noted, “To date, there have been 73 days of hydrological drought. And for the time being, the first effects are being felt in the rural water treatment plants, since they are much smaller than the urban ones. In the case of the urban plants, there have already been announcements of possible rationing if the lack of rainfall continues.”

The drought has led to drastic water rationing. According to Luis Gustavo Nivicela Shagui, Chairman of the Regional Water and Sanitation Administration Board, water access has been reduced to only three to four hours every two days. “We went from 70 litres per second to 20 litres per second,” he stated.

In Cuenca, a rural region, families have been living under water rationing for over 70 days, with farmers like 57-year-old Maria Mercedes Morocho Lojano saying, "We are really screwed because we can't grow anything." 

The crisis has also affected tourism and its related activities. Alfonso Chimbo, owner of La Mano Morlaca, a local tourist attraction in the Mirador el Calvario-Turi community, said, "Tourism has decreased a lot due to lack of water. We can’t prepare food or provide basic services like bathrooms because we don’t have water."

India's humanitarian outreach to Namibia has taken a significant step with the shipment of 1,000 metric tonnes of rice, aimed at bolstering food security amidst the country’s acute food crisis exacerbated by El Niño. The urgency of this mission is emphasised by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification report that states approximately 1.4 million Namibians are battling with acute food insecurity, with the situation likely to deteriorate in the forthcoming months, as Asian News International reports.

Celebration of Malaysia Day

 In celebration of Malaysia Day, the High Commission of Malaysia in Namibia marked the 61st anniversary of the event in the Namibian capital of Windhoek, attended by over 120 dignitaries, including government officials and diplomats. The celebration included traditional ceremonies and cultural performances, reinforcing the theme of “Jiwa Merdeka” or Spirit of Independence. Acting High Commissioner Datuk Dr Mohamad Rameez Yahaya highlighted the enduring bilateral relations established since Namibia's independence in 1990 and reaffirmed Malaysia's commitment to assisting Namibia in addressing drought challenges through a pledged financial support of NAD710,000 (approximately $40,249.43), Bernama reports.

Over 1,100 wildfires since start of 2024

Namibia has witnessed an alarming surge in wildfires, recording over 1,100 incidents since the start of the year, attributed to ‘high-confidence fire alerts.’ Despite initiatives aimed at community training and fuel load assessments, the lack of a cohesive national approach hampers effective wildfire control. According to The Namibian , a senior station officer from the Windhoek Fire Brigade has identified community attitudes and accessibility issues as major hurdles during fire emergencies, stressing the need for public awareness initiatives and advanced detection technologies to mitigate the risks associated with human-induced wildfires.

Four children trapped in an empty freezer die

Investigations are underway into the death of four Namibian children who were playing in an empty old freezer in the Zambezi Region, in the northeastern part of the country. The children, aged between three and six, were found inside the freezer on September 16. Police believe they were accidentally trapped and suffocated inside the freezer. Two of the children died in the fridge, while two others died in the hospital, local broadcaster NBC reported.

First AfCFTA consignment

Namibia is set to initiate its first trade consignment under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in October 2024, as announced by Industrialisation and Trade Minister Lucia Iipumbu. This initiative follows the approval of Namibia’s tariff offer within the Southern African Customs Union framework, The Namibian reports . The AfCFTA is a pivotal endeavour aimed at establishing a unified market for goods and services across Africa by alleviating tariffs on 90% of goods and dismantling non-tariff barriers.

The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Authority plans to slaughter 200 elephants to provide meat to citizens left food-insecure by the drought. "We are targeting to cull 200 elephants," Tinashe Farawo, a spokesperson for the authority, told CNN . Zimbabwe has approximately 100,000 elephants, making it home to the world’s second-largest elephant population, after Botswana .

The elephant culling will focus on regions where human-wildlife conflict has intensified, such as Hwange, Zimbabwe’s largest game reserve, according to Fulton Mangwanya, head of the Parks and Wildlife Authority.

Both Zimbabwe and Namibia are grappling with extreme drought conditions caused by the El Niño climate pattern, which has brought unusually low rainfall to southern Africa since the beginning of the year.

The unpredictable El Niño occurs irregularly, approximately every 2 to 7 years, and can last from 9 to 12 months.

Dam overflow in Nigerian's Borno State creates new crisis

Thousands of residents living within Maiduguri, the capital city of Borno State remain stranded days after flood waters from an overflowing dam destroyed tens of houses in the area. The United Nations Refugee Agency in Nigeria (UNHCR) has described it as the worst flooding in the area in 30 years. Read more here .

Malawians turn to toxic wild yams as drought worsens

As southern Africa faces its worst drought in a century, villagers in Malawi are digging up wild yams, which can be toxic, to stave off hunger. Some Malawians have had to turn to cooking orange wild yams, known as mpama, which must be boiled for eight hours to remove their toxins.

Read more here .

Slain Ugandan Olympian buried with full military honours

Ugandan Olympic marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei who died four days after she was doused in petrol and set on fire by her Kenyan boyfriend has been laid to rest. The deceased, 33, who competed in the Paris Olympics suffered burns to more than 75% of her body in the attack that happened on September 1. She was buried on September 14 with full military honours. Read more here .

Latin America

Mixed reactions as Venezuelan opposition leader Gonzalez flees to Spain

Venezuelans in the capital, Caracas, have shared their reactions to opposition presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia's exile to Spain. Some citizens believe it adds to the country’s current political situation while others feel the situation could have been avoided. Read more here .

Decades-long U.S. sanctions cost Cuba $5 billion in 2023

The Cuban government pegged the economic impact of the United States' embargo at an estimated $5 billion for the year 2023. The US embargo on Cuba, first imposed in 1962, has been a contentious issue for over six decades. Read more here .

Brazillian president celebrates return of over 300-year-old sacred cloak

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva hailed the return of the sacred Tupinamba cloak as a "milestone" for Indigenous people during a ceremony in Rio de Janeiro. The ceremonial cloak, which had been held at the National Museum of Denmark since 1689, was returned to Brazil as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to recover Indigenous artefacts from international museums. Read more here .

Asia

China stops short of Africa debt relief, pledges more cash

China stopped short of providing the debt relief sought by many African countries this week, but pledged 360 billion yuan ($50.7 billion) over three years in credit lines and investments. China has also sought to use FOCAC to counter growing competition in Africa from the United States, the European Union, Japan and others. Read more here .

Thailand’s new Prime Minister Paetongtarn promises to put the country on a pedestal

Thailand's new Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has promised citizens a new kind of administration to restore the country's global prestige. Read more here .

Philippines arrests celebrity pastor accused of sex crimes

An influential evangelist preacher from the Philippines accused of sex trafficking and sexual abuse has been arrested, authorities said on Sunday. Apollo Quiboloy, self-proclaimed "owner of the universe" and "appointed son of god", is wanted on charges of child and sexual abuse and related allegations of human trafficking. He has denied wrongdoing. Read more here .

76-year-old Manesi Levison is among those in desperate need. She is cooking bitter, orange wild yams, known as mpama, which must be boiled for eight hours to remove their toxins.

“Our situation is very dire, we are starving,” Levison told AFP. She is caring for 30 grandchildren, ten of whom are sheltered under the thatched roof of her home in Salima, near Lake Malawi. “It is a root that grows in the wild which we dig up so that the kids can at least have something to eat for the day,” she explained.

“People have died or fallen sick from eating this, so you have to make sure that it cooks for a really long time, all the time replacing the cooking water so as to remove the poison," she added.

The drought, worsened by the El Nino weather phenomenon, has devastated Malawi’s crops. With the rains ceasing in April, fields have burned, and the next harvest isn’t expected until March.

Malawi, heavily reliant on rain-fed agriculture, is facing severe challenges. The drought affects 44 per cent of the country’s crop area and impacts up to 40 per cent of its 20.4 million people, according to the World Food Programme (WFP).

President Lazarus Chakwera declared a state of natural disaster in 23 of Malawi’s 28 districts in March and requested $200 million in food aid.

Countries across the region, including Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, have declared national disasters due to the crisis.

In Lesotho, the situation is especially critical. The government has declared a national disaster as around 700,000 people struggle with food insecurity out of about 200 million population due to poor crop yields.

Nearly 80% of Lesotho’s population depends on subsistence farming, which has been devastated by the drought, AFP reported.

To address the crisis, Lesotho’s government has introduced a temporary employment program, offering 500 loti ($27) for two weeks of work, such as road maintenance and cemetery cleaning.

The World Food Programme (WFP) anticipates that conditions will deteriorate further as the drought continues. The crisis has also led to increased theft of livestock and a push towards planting drought-resistant crops like sorghum.

In a parched village in Lesotho, a small mountain kingdom in southern Africa, farmer Daniel Phoofolo struggles to harvest withered crops from his parched land. Once able to both feed his family and sell surplus produce, Phoofolo’s fields are now barren due to an ongoing drought affecting southern Africa.

"The greatest impacts are expected in central and southern Somalia, southern Ethiopia, and the arid and semi-arid lands of Kenya," the agencies stated in an alert issued in Nairobi, Kenya's capital.

Other affected countries include Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and Tanzania, where the second rainy season occurs from October to December. The first rainy season occurs from March to May.

The agencies warned that below-average rains could lead to "crop failures, deteriorating pastoral conditions, water shortages, atypical livestock movements, increased disease outbreaks, and heightened food insecurity and malnutrition."

They urged humanitarian partners to collaborate with local and national governments to support contingency planning, preparedness activities, and the identification of anticipatory actions to mitigate the impacts of potential drought.

In July, the World Health Organisation (WHO) reported that the Greater Horn of Africa is experiencing one of the worst hunger crises of the last 70 years with millions facing hunger due to one of the worst droughts in recent decades, exacerbated by years of conflict and instability, the COVID-19 pandemic, and rising food prices partly due to the war in Ukraine.

Over 37 million people in the region are facing acute hunger, with approximately seven million children under the age of five acutely malnourished, according to the UN . The food crisis is also leading to a health emergency, with increased risks of disease outbreaks like cholera, measles, and malaria.

U.S. aircraft manufacturer Boeing has expressed interest in partnering with the Indonesian government to support the country's aerospace industry and help achieve its vision for Golden Indonesia 2045. "We are very interested in partnering with the Indonesian government to achieve the vision of a Golden Indonesia 2045," said Zaid Alami, Boeing Indonesia country managing director. This partnership will cover aspects of the supply chain, customers, airports, and university partnerships, according to Tempo Co . Boeing aims to take a holistic approach to explore opportunities to build partnerships, and collaborations, and support the growth of Indonesia's aviation industry.

Budget to help farmers fight drought

The Indonesian government is reallocating Rp7 trillion (about $430 million) from its budget to help the nation’s farmers fight drought. According to Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman, the funds were originally allocated for other purposes, but will now be used to purchase seeds, pumps, and agricultural machinery. "These funds will now be used to purchase seeds, pumps, and agricultural machinery for farmers," he said. The goal is to address the effects of El Niño and drought and ensure continued agricultural production during the critical three-month period, Indonesia’s state news agency reports.

Focus on renewable energy for net-zero emissions by 2060

Indonesia's State Electricity Company (PLN) is focusing on renewable energy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060. According to state news agency Antara , they are greening their electricity provision, decarbonising fossil fuel power plants, and developing new renewable energy sources. "These efforts encompass short-term and long-term plans, alongside the development of renewable energy and its supporting ecosystem," said General Manager of the PLN East Java Main Distribution Unit, Agus Kuswardoyo.  According to Antara, collaboration with stakeholders and increasing solar power generation capacity are part of their efforts.

Partnership with Google to prevent online gambling content

Indonesia's Ministry of Communications and Information Technology is working with Google to use AI to prevent online gambling content. They are using a preemptive approach similar to that used for filtering out pornographic content, Tempo Co reports. The ministry is awaiting further development and innovation from Google. The goal is to prevent online gambling on digital platforms or at least identify it for filtration measures, an official of the ministry stated.

Comic jailed for joking about the name 'Mohammed'

Indonesian comedian Aulia Rakhman has been jailed for seven months for joking about the name Mohammed, sparking concerns over blasphemy laws in the country. Human rights groups have called for the abolition of the blasphemy article in the law, which has been used to jail innocent people, according to reports . The case adds to concerns over the toxic nature of the blasphemy law in Indonesia.

The survey for the magazine's 12th annual Leisure Lifestyle Awards ran from July 15, 2023, to March 8, 2024, with open-ended questions sent via email and included as questionnaires inserted in subscriber copies.

In reaction to the win, Laurie Burr, Complex General Manager at The Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara, just a stone's throw from Victoria Falls said "Being recognised as Africa’s top leisure destination is a significant achievement for Zambia. This accolade not only highlights our country’s breathtaking natural beauty and vibrant culture but also underscores the hard work and commitment of everyone in the Zambian hospitality industry. This honour will undoubtedly boost tourism, providing a substantial contribution to our economy and fostering sustainable growth for our communities. We are proud to be part of this thriving sector and look forward to welcoming even more visitors to experience the wonders of Zambia.”

"Congratulations to the winners of Global Traveller’s 12th annual Leisure Lifestyle Awards. Everyone looks forward to leisure travel and to be a provider that goes above and beyond for that subset consistently is a true testament to a brand. Our readers know the best of the best in the travel industry, so this winners’ list is undoubtedly a guide to planning your next trip. Congratulations, winners — these accolades are well-deserved,” said Francis X. Gallagher, CEO of FXExpress Publications.

Zambia is renowned for its iconic sites such as Victoria Falls, the Zambezi River, numerous parks, and many safari areas that captivate the adventurous spirit of travellers.

Despite all these incredible sceneries that set the nation apart from other Southern African countries, citizens are currently experiencing harsh drought conditions, the worst in 20 years.

Many countries in Southern Africa, including Zambia, are experiencing the severe impacts of El Niño and La Niña. These phenomena have destroyed numerous crops and caused unbearable hot temperatures in the country.

According to Reena Ghelani , the U.N. assistant secretary-general, and climate crisis coordinator for the El Niño and La Niña response, "There’s not going to be food on the table for many families, and they are not going to be able to purchase,” she said. “So we need to respond swiftly with assistance today. This might become the new normal so we need to prepare, as the president has said, for the future.”

Meanwhile, President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia has urged all Southern African countries to collaborate in addressing food insecurity and the crisis in drought-affected nations.

“Unless we collectively utilise our resource endowments to support deficit areas, our regional economies will suffer, and our economic gains could be reversed due to this humanitarian crisis,” he wrote on Facebook.

Zambia has been named the Best Leisure Destination in Africa in the 2024 Global Traveller Awards, showcasing the country's natural beauty and vibrant culture. According to Zawya , the recognition is a testament to the hard work and commitment of the Zambian hospitality industry and is expected to boost tourism and contribute to the country's economy. The Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara is proud to be part of this thriving sector and looks forward to welcoming more visitors to experience the wonders of Zambia.

Solution to droughts

Zambian President Hichilema has called for solidarity among southern African countries to combat the drought crisis. According to EnviroNews , he has also urged the use of regional resources to support affected areas and explore water harvesting and alternative energy sources. Zambia, Malawi, and Zimbabwe have declared states of disaster and requested assistance.

Tech minister debunks quit claims

Zambia's Minister of Science and Technology, Felix Mutati, has denied leaving the government amid accusations of infighting within his party. According to ItWeb , Mutati refuted claims that his Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) had a falling out with the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND), with which it is allied. "I want to make it clear that claims pointing to disunity in the UPND Alliance and the suggestion that we, as MDC, are contemplating leaving are false, unfounded and ought to be dismissed with the contempt they deserve," Mutati said. "We in the New Dawn Administration are working tirelessly to improve the lives of our people and rebuild the economy."

Zimbabwe-Zambia joint trade

The two-day Joint Trade and Customs Committee meeting between Zimbabwe and Zambia opened in Harare on Tuesday, May 21, emphasising the need for continued cooperation between the two countries. In a speech delivered by Chief Director Ambassador Rofina Chikava, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Ambassador Albert Chimbindi expressed gratitude to the Zambian delegation for prioritizing the meeting. The Zambian delegation is led by their representative to Zimbabwe, Ambassador Derrick Livune, reports The Herald .

U.S. and Zambia partner to stop human trafficking

The United States and Zambia have signed a new partnership to combat human trafficking in Zambia. The program will provide financial assistance and support to help strengthen the Zambian government's efforts to address human trafficking. The Guardian reports that the signing of this partnership is the first of its kind globally, and aims to promote coordination and protection services for trafficking victims.

He also indicated the likelihood of more frequent and severe droughts in the future.

“This situation is indicative that surface, as well as groundwater resources will become less reliable. This will have a negative impact on food security, health and hygiene, and overall prosperity,” said Schlettwein.

He further urged for government to invest more in sustainable solutions.

“A significant change in priority setting for funding is required. We need to move away from additional borrowing and invest in more sustainable solutions for water and sanitation,” said Schlettwein.

Currently, Namibia relies heavily on water resources from its neighbours. The country is actively pursuing collaborative management strategies, Namibian reports.

According to the United Nations World Water Development Report (2024) , 3.6 billion people globally lack proper sanitation, and 2.2 billion lack access to clean water.

“The future of our children and future generations depends on how we address this imminent water crisis today. We must recognise the important role that women and youth can play in water management and diplomacy efforts,” Schlettwein was quoted as saying.

Zimbabwe has announced stringent measures to enforce the use of the official foreign exchange rate for transactions involving its new ZiG currency. According to a report by Biz News , Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube stated that individuals and companies failing to comply will face fines of up to 200,000 ZiG ($14,782). This statement follows Ncube's earlier warning of impending regulations to mandate the exclusive use of the official exchange rate, determined daily by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe. The government aims to eliminate reliance on the parallel market, making the official ZiG exchange rate the sole reference for currency trade. Additionally, the new directive abolishes the previous requirement for retailers to price their goods within 10% of the official exchange rate to ensure profitability.

Debt resolution and economic reforms

The European Union has lauded Zimbabwe's efforts in debt resolution and economic reforms, commending President Mnangagwa's administration for proactive steps in addressing arrears with international creditors. Reports from The Zimbabwe Mail indicate that the EU has expressed readiness to support Zimbabwe in achieving its Vision 2030 and highlighted the importance of sovereign lending in facilitating economic growth. The EU also recognised the commitment of the Zimbabwean government to compensate farmers affected by the Fast-Track Land Reform Programme and pledged to continue supporting the country's developmental goals.

Aid for drought crisis

In response to a severe drought exacerbated by El Niño, the European Union has committed $62 million to assist Zimbabwe. President Mnangagwa, having declared a state of disaster, underscored the pressing requirement for $2 billion to alleviate hunger caused by substantial crop failures. According to The Zimbabwe Mail , the EU's contribution is integral to ongoing initiatives aimed at securing further funding regionally. The repercussions of the drought extend to neighbouring nations, highlighting the importance of collaboration with international partners to bolster resilience and foster sustainable development.

Leather producers to penetrate the Chinese market

Renowned Zimbabwean leather manufacturer Good Hope Leather Products, recognised for its exquisite exotic skin merchandise, is eyeing entry into the Chinese market via the China International Import Expo. With aspirations to exhibit its offerings and broaden its presence in one of the globe's largest consumer markets, the company is leveraging Zimbabwe's abundant resources and initiatives to diversify exports to China, according to reports from Xinhua .

Northwestern fibre backbone

The upcoming completion of the fibre optic backbone project linking Bulawayo and Kazungula in north-western Zimbabwe marks a significant step in the nation's telecommunications enhancement endeavours. This initiative not only seeks to boost ICT literacy but also aims to impart computer skills in rural schools. Furthermore, notable advancements have been achieved in public projects, alongside the establishment of training facilities at the Marondera Female Open Prison, as reported by the Zimbabwe Independent .

Zambia is seeking to learn from China's successful malaria elimination efforts to speed up its own pace. According to Africa Xinhuanet , the country aims to eliminate malaria by 2030 and plans to begin using malaria vaccines next year. Malaria remains a significant public health concern in Zambia, accounting for 30% of the disease burden. Zambia is also facing challenges such as poor adherence to interventions and lack of local production of drugs. Pregnant women and children under five are the most vulnerable to malaria, and the government is prioritising services for these groups. China has provided support to the malaria fight, including the provision of vehicles and laboratory equipment, as well as training programs.

Wasteful spending on laptops

A Bloomberg report shows that a review of Zambia’s public debt revealed exaggerated expenses and careless expenditures, such as the government's acquisition of excessively priced computers and laptops for public schools lacking electricity. Among the loans scrutinised in the audit was one used to procure 10,000 laptops at $3,900 each, significantly higher than their estimated cost of $630, as outlined in the report by the Zambian Office of the Auditor General released recently. The government's excess expenditure on laptops and desktop computers amounted to approximately $96 million, according to the report. This highlights how Zambia has ended up defaulting on its $13.4 billion in loans.

Increase in annual inflation

Zambia's annual inflation rate has reached its highest level in 26 months and shows signs of further escalation due to a severe drought in some regions and ongoing currency depreciation, which are driving up prices. Statistician-General Mulenga Musepa disclosed that consumer prices surged by 13.8% in April, slightly surpassing the 13.7% recorded in the previous month. Monthly, prices increased by 1%, down from 1.2% in March, as reported in Lusaka, the capital, on Thursday. Bloomberg adds that, since the beginning of March, the kwacha has depreciated by approximately 10% against the dollar, making it the world's second-worst-performing currency during this period. The surge in demand for dollars in Zambia can be attributed in part to a drought induced by El Niño, resulting in crop failures and necessitating increased food imports for the southern African nation.

Drought-induced emergencies

Southern Africa is facing widespread droughts, leading to national emergencies in countries like Zambia and Zimbabwe. In response, the Water Convention and its partners convened a workshop in Zambia to strengthen transboundary water cooperation and develop solutions. Social News XYZ explains that the focus was on sharing challenges, problem-solving, and exchanging good practices on water allocation agreements and other transboundary arrangements, to mitigate potential conflicts and support hydro-diplomacy and peace. The workshop was organized with funding and technical support from various organizations, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland, the European Union, and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. Zambia also aims to be a party to the Convention by the 10th Meeting of the Parties in October 2024.

Electric battery manufacturing plant

Commerce, Trade, and Industry Minister Chipoka Mulenga has announced the completion of feasibility studies for an electric battery manufacturing plant. In April 2022, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo inked cooperative agreements to pursue electric battery production. Last August, Mulenga informed the nation that feasibility studies for the project were 45% complete, highlighting the ample raw materials sourced from FQM’s Enterprise Nickel Mine in Kalumbila District for electric car battery manufacturing. Mulenga on April 24, however, informed News Diggers that his team has finalised their study and plans to update President Hakainde Hichilema on its findings next week.

According to the World Weather Attribution reports, these countries are combating significant outbreaks of cholera, waterborne illnesses and risks of severe food insecurity between the current and forthcoming rainy seasons.

The severe weather challenges across the Southern African countries have been linked to El Niño.

What is El Niño?

El Niño is a climate pattern characterised by the unusual warming of surface waters in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. It is the "warm phase" of a larger phenomenon called the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). El Niño events can significantly alter global weather patterns, affecting temperatures and precipitation across various regions.

The phenomenon was first recognised by fishers off the coast of Peru who noticed the arrival of unusually warm water around Christmas time, hence the name "El Niño," meaning "the little boy" or "Christ Child" in Spanish.

During El Niño, the trade winds that typically blow from east to west across the Pacific weaken or even reverse direction. This change disrupts the normal upwelling of cold, nutrient-rich water, leading to warmer sea surface temperatures. The effects of El Niño are widespread, influencing weather conditions such as increased rainfall in the southern United States and Peru, and drought in the western Pacific and sometimes in Southern Africa.

El Niño events occur irregularly, approximately every 2 to 7 years, and can last from 9 to 12 months . They are not predictable in the same way ocean tides are, but scientists use various measurements, including sea surface temperatures and atmospheric pressure differences, to monitor and forecast these events.

How is it affecting Southern Africa?

In Zambia, there is a 45% surge in food prices, exacerbating hunger. This is due to a drought caused by El Niño which has affected 9.8 million people, prompting a national disaster declaration in February due to delayed rains and failing crops. This happened across 84 districts in 8 provinces, and approximately 14.8 million individuals were impacted. A March assessment, according to Reliefweb , revealed alarming levels of food insecurity: 76% have limited food stocks, 5.7% have none, and 75.7% are resorting to severe coping measures. Crop damage ranges from 50% to 90%, and water scarcity has compelled 30% of the population to seek alternative sources. Concurrently, over 740 fatalities have been recorded due to Cholera, marking the deadliest outbreak in the country's history.

Nearly 4.4 million people have been impacted by El Niño in Malawi as a result of below-normal rainfall and high temperatures. This has severely affected maize across the nation. Other crops like rice, groundnuts, and soybeans have also experienced significant losses, posing threats to food security and livelihoods.

Additionally, more than 2.7 million Zimbabweans are facing urgent needs as a consequence of prolonged dry spells, leading to widespread crop failure in numerous regions. Government reports suggest that 26% of rural residents will experience shortages of cereals, intensifying an already severe hunger crisis. The situation is further complicated by economic strain and livestock losses, amidst a cholera outbreak that has claimed over 560 lives. Livestock diseases and water scarcity have only intensified these challenges.

Zimbabwe is facing several challenges, including a severe drought. The country has declared a state of disaster due to a severe drought, leading President Mnangagwa to call for $2 billion in humanitarian aid. This comes as the El Nino-induced drought has left millions in need of food assistance in Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Malawi. The United Nations is already providing food aid, but the situation is expected to worsen as more people will likely require assistance, AP News reports.

Fight against drug trafficking

Zimbabwe just like many countries on the African continent is grappling with the misuse and smuggling of hard drugs or cannabis. According to New Zimbabwe , border post authorities in Beitbridge, Zimbabwe, recovered 20 kilogrammes of dagga valued at ZW$20 million from a smuggling syndicate transporting the drugs from South Africa on March 31, 2024. This move highlights the challenges posed by illegal activities in the country.

Introduction of gold-backed currency

Zimbabwe has introduced a new gold-backed currency called Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG), with denominations ranging from 1 to 200 and an exchange rate of US$1: ZiG13.56. CAJ News Africa reports that the introduction of this currency aims to address economic instability and hyperinflation that led to the abandonment of the Zimbabwean dollar in 2009. This is not surprising because President Mnangagwa has long expressed his displeasure with the dollar's performance in Zimbabwe.

1978 massacre

The survivors of one of the worst massacres recorded in Zimbabwe, the Kamungoma massacre, shared emotional stories of the 1978 massacre during the unveiling of the Kamungoma Liberation War Shrine by President Mnangagwa on April 4. Their testimonies emphasised the importance of preserving Zimbabwe's history and sovereignty. Although there is a record of over 3o survivors of the massacre, The Herald reveals that a number of them lost either limbs or drank human blood for survival.

Hunger crisis

Catholic Bishops in Zimbabwe are urging people and humanitarian organisations to come together to provide food aid and prevent deaths from droughts plaguing the country. They are calling for assistance to be given without politicising the situation and to maintain the dignity of those in need. President Mnangagwa has also asked for help from humanitarian organisations and plans to import grain to alleviate the hunger crisis caused by the El Nino-induced drought, New Zimbabwe reports.

Zimbabwe is facing a significant drop in cereal production due to a drought, leading to a projected deficit of 1.4 million tonnes. To address this challenge, the government is taking proactive measures, including partnering with donor agencies for food distribution and lifting bans on genetically modified maize imports. The private sector is also being urged to import grain to supplement local supplies, local news outlet Zawya reports.

Recruitment scams

The Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services has issued a warning to the public regarding recruitment scams by con artists posing as representatives of the organisation. They emphasise the importance of verifying official communication through recognised channels, such as the official Facebook and X accounts, and warn against engaging in any financial transactions related to the recruitment process. According to Chronicle , the organisation has also stated that it will prosecute individuals found defrauding people in its name.

Chinese-funded rabbit breeding program for farmers

Zimbabwean farmers are benefitting from a Chinese-funded rabbit breeding program aimed at boosting rabbit farming in the country. The program focuses on training, market access, and value addition, in response to the growing demand for rabbit meat in the country. The potential for exports to China is also being explored, presenting lucrative business opportunities for farmers, English News reports.

University of Zimbabwe National Cookout competition

The University of Zimbabwe is hosting a National Cookout Competition in the capital Harare, initiated by the First Lady Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa to showcase cultural diversity and celebrate diverse foods. The event aims to address food security issues in Africa and will feature local cuisines from different regions over two days, according to Chronicle .

Zimbabwe and South Africa sign water sharing agreement

Zimbabwe and South Africa have signed a water-sharing agreement to transfer treated water from Beitbridge, a province of Matabeleland South, Zimbabwe to Musina, a northernmost town in the Limpopo province of South Africa, addressing water supply challenges in the area. Sanews reports that the project is set to be completed in 2026 and will comply with South Africa's water quality standards. Both countries are committed to ensuring the success of the agreement, and interim measures are being implemented to address current water supply challenges in Musina.

Outgoing World Health Organization (WHO) country representative, Professor Jean Marie Dangou, has commended Zimbabwe for its progress in the health sector during a farewell visit to Vice President Dr. Constantino Chiwenga in Harare. Dangou praised the excellent collaboration between Zimbabwe and WHO, highlighting the country's commitment to achieving international health standards under President Mnangagwa's health strategy. “I was bidding farewell to the Honourable Vice President, Dr. Chiwenga, as you recall, when I joined Zimbabwe last year in February, he was the Minister of Health and Child Care. The collaboration between the World Health Organization and the Government of Zimbabwe is excellent. I have been to several countries, and what I have seen here in Zimbabwe, I should say that it makes WHO proud, but also the Government of Zimbabwe should be proud of this collaboration. WHO is the first advisor of the Ministry of Health and the Government of Zimbabwe,” he is quoted by The Herald .

El Niño drought alarm

Pressure is mounting on President Emmerson Mnangagwa to declare a drought in Zimbabwe following reports that nearly all crops planted during the 2023–24 summer cropping season have been decimated, a Senate committee was informed on Tuesday. Speaking before the Senate thematic committee on peace and security, Professor Obert Jiri, the secretary for lands, agriculture, water, fisheries, and rural resettlement, highlighted that dry land maize, including crops planted under the Pfumvunza scheme and traditional grains, have been entirely wiped out due to drought conditions, The Zimbabwe Mail reports. According to Jiri, Zimbabwe now anticipates harvesting between 700,000 and 800,000 metric tonnes of all cereals planted for the 2023–24 summer season, significantly below the annual national requirement of 1.2 million metric tonnes. The Ministry of Agriculture's latest crop and livestock assessment report warned of potential panic purchases and grain hoarding by households and traders, exacerbating the situation and leading to significant increases in cereal prices. “Panic purchases and grain hoarding by households and traders are expected, which will deplete the grain earlier than expected, even in areas with surplus production. This will cause significant increases in cereal prices,” the Ministry of Agriculture noted. Furthermore, the ministry noted a decline in the area planted with corn, a staple in Zimbabwe's diet, from 1.96 million hectares in the previous year to 1.73 million hectares in the 2023–24 season.

New tobacco season opens

Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has inaugurated the 2024 tobacco marketing season, marking the commencement of auctions for the highly valued crop. The first bale of tobacco fetched US$4.92 per kilogramme, reflecting an increase from last year's opening price of US$4.35. Tobacco stands as Zimbabwe's second-largest foreign currency earner, trailing only behind gold in its economic contribution, the Sunday Mail has reported. Despite challenges posed by a prolonged dry spell induced by the El Niño weather phenomenon, the yield of the golden leaf is anticipated to experience a slight decline this year. Vice President Chiwenga, while officially launching the marketing season, said, “As has been explained by the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, the El Niño phenomenon has taken a toll on our crops. However, this has not dampened our efforts to attain a US$5 billion tobacco industry. The following season might be better.”  He urged concerted efforts from all stakeholders to overcome challenges and work towards realizing the ambitious target of a thriving tobacco industry in the near future.

Removal of VAT on rice

Local retailers have lauded the recent removal of value-added tax (VAT) on rice and potato seed, along with the relaxation of grain imports, recognizing these measures as significant steps towards enhancing food security in Zimbabwe. The President of the Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers (CZR), Denford Mutashu, expressed appreciation for the government's decision, highlighting its positive impact on easing the financial burden on the general population. He emphasized the importance of making essential food items such as rice more accessible to households, especially as a viable substitute for maize. “The removal of the value-added tax on rice is a welcome move. As the next substitute for maize, rice must be affordable to all households. This is in line with regional parity and will ensure our retailers can compete with imports. We are happy that all our recommendations have been taken on board. We hope that the necessary statutory instruments will be fast-tracked to ensure that this development reflects on the shelves,” said Mutashu. The Sunday Mail further reports that he expressed confidence in the reactivation of the Grain Mobilization Committee, believing it will enhance transparency within the sector and contribute to the effective management of grain resources in Zimbabwe.

Starlink U-turn

Zimbabwe appears to have reversed its stance on Starlink, with reports emerging of ongoing discussions between senior government officials and the satellite internet service provider owned by Elon Musk. Despite concerns over security reasons, Zimbabwe had not previously licensed Starlink to operate in the country, even though various entities, including companies, parastatals, and individuals, were already utilizing its services. However, according to sources involved, government representatives are currently engaged in talks with Starlink officials, News Day reports. The source suggested contacting Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, Tatenda Mavetera, for further details, although Mavetera indicated that the matter was still confidential and requested to postpone comments until a later date.

Zambia’s president, Hakainde Hichilema joined residents on February 12 to celebrate Youth Day. The President arrived at the administrative centre of the Eastern Province of Zambia, the City of Chipata to meet an enthusiastic crowd of residents who were lined up along the streets and ready to meet the president. Youth Day is marked in Zambia to celebrate the contributions and efforts of the youth in the nation. President Hichilema during the event highlighted the government’s commitment to engaging with and empowering Zambia’s youth, Lusakatimes reports.

Shikapwasha murder case proceeds to court

The wife of the late retired Air Force Commander and Minister of Home Affairs of Zambia is preparing to appear before court for prosecution over the alleged murder of her husband. Jane Lusengo Shikapwasha is said to have allegedly murdered her husband, the late Lieutenant General Ronald Shikapwasha Retired, contrary to Section 200 of the Penal Code Act Chapter 87 of the laws of Zambia. The accused is believed to have shot her late husband on January 14, 2024, in their matrimonial home in Lusaka. The Zambian Eye reports that police have concluded investigations into the matter.

Forestry sector development

President Hakainde Hichilema has called for a strengthened forestry sector expertise in the wake of the adverse effects of climate change. The president called for strong collaborations between Zambia and Finland in this regard to help boost the country’s forestry sector. Speaking during a visit by the Finish delegation at the State House, the president said deepened ties between both countries will ensure that Zambia taps into the strength of Finland’s forestry sector. “Let us not just visit each other’s but deepen relationships in checks. We acknowledge your strength in forestry and must indicate that this is a niche we can work on in damaging of trees, tree cutting and charcoal burning,” he was quoted by local news outlet Mwebantu .

Emergency response formed team to tackle drought

A disaster and emergency response team has been formed in Zambia to tackle the drought situation and improve national food security in the country. The team comprises of the Zambia Army, Zambia Air Force, and the Zambia National Service and is chaired by the Ministry of Defence Permanent Secretary Norman Chipakupaku. This follows serious drought facing the country. According to the Daily Mail , an estimated six million agricultural households have been affected by the drought and are experiencing food insecurity.

Food donations

Zambian striker Fashion Sakala has donated 1,400 bags of food to the people of Mbenjere area in the Eastern Province of Zambia. The striker who plays for Al-Fayha in the Saudi Professional League donated the bags of mealie meal as part of efforts to help needy persons in the area. According to the Lusakatimes , Sakala underscored the importance of giving back to the community and making positive impact.

Mahbube Siraj, women's rights activist and executive director of the Women's Skills Training Center in Afghanistan, won the biennial Finland Gender Equality Award on December 11. The Finnish government said this award, which is accompanied by a donation of 300,000 euros, has been given to Mahbouba Siraj for her efforts in supporting women and creating safe shelters and jobs for them.

Taliban's reaction to drought

The Minister of “enjoining good and forbidding bad”
of the Taliban regime, in response to people's concerns about the continuation of the drought, ordered that people throughout Afghanistan pray for rain for three days. In the notification of the Ministry of Good and Prohibition of the Taliban regime which was issued on December 12, it is stated that people should come to pre-specified places on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 9:00 am and pray for rain.

Nasim Radio Afghanistan director jailed

The Taliban court in Daikundi, accused Sultan Ali Javadi, the director of Radio Nasim, the only free audio media in the central regions of Afghanistan (Bamiyan and Daikundi), of cooperating with media outside of Afghanistan, reflecting news of moral and administrative corruption of local Taliban officials, and cooperating with critics. He was sentenced to one year in prison. This sentence was delivered to Sultan Ali Javadi by the Taliban court in Nili city on Monday, December 11.

"Jihadist commander" killed

Unknown armed men killed one of the "jihadi commanders" in Herat province on Sunday evening, December 10. On Sunday evening, Mohammad Naeem Jamshidi was on his way to his home from the centre of Rabat Sangi in the north of Herat city, when he was shot by two motorcycle riders. According to Naeem Jamshidi's relatives, he was targeted along with one of the residents of Chahardare village and the said person survived. Naeem Jamshidi was active as the commander of popular uprising forces against the Taliban for many years.

"Afghan meeting" in Germany

The participants in the thirty-seventh "Afghan meeting" of the Evangelical Academy in the "Villigast" district criticized the policy of interaction with the Taliban and demanded a change in this approach. The "Afghan meeting" of the Evangelical Academy, which is held annually in Germany, was planned in the city of Shorte, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, entitled "Take the facts seriously, be responsible and strengthen communication" hosting representatives of the Taliban regime. Following criticism about the presence of a Taliban official in the city of Cologne, Willigst Evangelical Academy was pressured to cancel the trip of Taliban representatives to participate in the two-day conference "Afghanistan Session" and had to cancel their invitation.

Dubbed Pfumvudza (which means “new season” in the main local language), it is a meticulously applied form of conservation agriculture in which farmers prepare a prescribed piece of land (16m by 39m) and are supplied with specific packs of inputs and produce a specific yield per plot.

“The primary objective of this initiative is that a family should feed itself. It removes the burden of excessive labour in terms of field preparation and collection of mulch material. It provides all the inputs required to produce a crop, yet is so simple that once farmers are envisioned they are no longer reliant on the inputs to be successful,” says the Pfumvudza concept note .

The bulk of Zimbabwe’s 16 million people live in rural areas but there has been a proliferation of urban poor in recent years due to climate change. Zimbabwe experiences a drought every three years leading to rural urban drift. The El Nino phenomenon is set to worsen the situation this cropping season. 

“For resource-poor folks, Pfumvudza is a lifesaver in a number of respects. First, it entails establishing planting stations manually using simple hoes, which are accessible to the very poor. Second, Pfumvudza practices make maximum use of available moisture, making it ideal in drought seasons,” a lecturer at the University of Zimbabwe, Department of Community and Social Development, Taruvinga Magwiroto said in an interview.

The uptake has been impressive and the national expansion can only be described as ambitious.

“We are targeting 500,000 beneficiaries in towns and 3 million in rural areas. If we do that on 9.5 million plots, we have around 400,000 hectares of Pfumvudza leading to food security,” said the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Obert Jiri.

Due to the fact that conservation agriculture is initially very labour intensive, many farmers are discouraged from continuing the practice threatening its sustainability but the free inputs are an incentive.

“It’s backbreaking work but we have no choice because we have no draught power,” said an elderly woman beneficiary of Pfumvudza. Rural households lost their livestock to the frequent droughts due to climate change.

“The classic Pfumvudza involves hard manual work. But its popularity can be traced to the fact that it was promoted as a package including free inputs. So, people didn't really have much choice because they love free inputs. In that sense, it's a necessary evil,” Magwiroto said.

An agronomist supervising the project in one of the country’s 10 provinces said the sustainability of Pfumvudza depended on people seeing its “vision”. 

“We envision a situation where the beneficiaries will meet the vision and buy their own inputs in the near future.

“The inputs are supplied under the Presidential Input Scheme whose longevity is debatable considering the unstable economy.”

Initially concentrating on farming the staple maize, Pfumvudza is expanding to include other food crops such as sorghum, pearl millet, groundnuts, sunflower, soya beans and sugar beans .