BULAWAYO, SEPT 8, (SOUTHERN EYE LIVE) - Humanitarian agencies have activated anticipatory action in Zimbabwe ahead of a forecast drought, with £1.27 million set to support nearly 100,000 people in five rural districts, according to a statement from Start Network.
The activation took place on August 25, 2026, following forecasts indicating a high likelihood of drought conditions between October this year and next January. The move enables communities to act ahead of the summer cropping season.
The funding will support around 97,286 people across Beitbridge, Mwenezi, Gwanda, Matobo and Masvingo rural districts.
“By acting during the planting window, these interventions aim to strengthen household food and nutrition security and protect livelihoods before drought impacts escalate,” Start Network said.
Over the next three months, Start Network members FACT Zimbabwe, Nutrition Action Zimbabwe (NAZ), Catholic Relief Services (CRS), Save the Children in Zimbabwe, and Christian Aid Zimbabwe. Partners Tearfund, Caritas Zimbabwe Diocese of Masvingo, ORAP Zimbabwe, Action Against Hunger UK (ACF) and Lutheran Development Services are expected to deliver a package of anticipatory actions.
Start Network said the response will focus on distributing drought-tolerant seeds and vouchers for agricultural inputs, alongside farmer training on climate-smart agriculture.
"It will also include the rehabilitation and solarisation of boreholes and strengthening water point committees to maintain access to safe water," the organisation said.
It noted that communities will receive support for livelihoods and livestock health through veterinary training, livestock feed, poultry kits, vaccination campaigns and dip tanks.
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In addition, community nutrition gardens with micro-irrigation systems would be established to improve access to diverse, nutritious food.
Start Network added that awareness campaigns would also be rolled out on crop and livestock management, El Niño risks, and protection and safeguarding.
“By acting during the planting window, these interventions aim to strengthen household food and nutrition security and protect livelihoods before drought impacts escalate,” Start Network said.
The drought relief agency said the early activation is aimed at reducing the impacts of drought before they intensify by supporting communities to prepare during the critical planting period.
Zimbabwe has faced recurring droughts linked to El Niño, with rural households in the southern districts being the most affected due to low rainfall and limited water sources.
