Country facts

  • Population: 14.15 million
  • People affected by current crisis: 4.4 million
  • Rank in Human Development Index: 155 of 188

IRC response

  • Started work in Zimbabwe: 2008

Zimbabwe crisis briefing

Zimbabwe, located in southern Africa, is plagued by severe droughts and a weakened economy. The IRC helps vulnerable Zimbabweans access the resources they need to survive, rebuild their lives and take control of their futures.

What caused the current crisis in Zimbabwe?

Zimbabwe has great potential for growth, but ongoing crises continue to prevent progress. The devastating 2008 cholera outbreak sickened over 100,000 people. The 2016 drought caused by El Nino – the worst in 35 years – destroyed crops and livelihoods and left millions of people without enough food to eat. Tens of thousands of people have been affected by Cyclone Idai, becoming the worst natural disaster of 2019. 

What are the main humanitarian challenges in Zimbabwe?

The country faces severe food insecurity and economic hardships. Rural communities are hit particularly hard by such recurrent natural disasters. 

While progress has been made in recent years, malnutrition rates and maternal mortality remain high in Zimbabwe. Just 23% of people in rural areas have reliable access to clean water and adequate sanitation services, leaving much of the population vulnerable to outbreaks of diseases like cholera and typhoid. 

Domestic violence and other forms of violence against women and girls tend to spike during crisis. In Zimbabwe, one in three girls has been a victim of violence, but few services are available to support these young survivors.

How does the IRC help in Zimbabwe?

The IRC’s mission is to help people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover and gain control of their future.

We first began working in Zimbabwe in 2008, following the country’s devastating cholera outbreak. We have continued to work with local communities to improve sanitation, access to clean water and livelihood opportunities.

As the country struggles to deal with the effects of natural disasters, drought and economic insecurity, the IRC is focusing our efforts in Manicaland and Masvingo provinces by: 

  • providing direct cash transfers to enable people to purchase food and meet other basic needs;
  • providing vouchers that will enable farmers to purchase what they need to plant and harvest new crops and recover from the effects of the drought; 
  • helping farmers get enough food to feed their livestock, thereby preserving a vital economic asset that can help them make a swift recovery after the drought;
  • drilling wells deeper and rehabilitating water collection points to provide more people with access to safe water;
  • providing food for pregnant women to help ensure they are adequately nourished and can safely deliver their babies in rural health clinics;
  • Delivering medical care and emergency supplies for people affected by Cyclone Idai.

 

What still needs to be done?

The IRC’s work in Zimbabwe is more critical than ever as the country struggles to rebuild from the effects of natural disasters and a weakened economy. We pledge to put the needs of those most affected by crisis, specifically women and girls, at the forefront of our efforts and to achieve measurable improvements in health, economic wellbeing and power. Here’s a closer look at some of the work we will be doing over the next few years to achieve our goals.

We will continue to support Zimbabweans who have been plagued by drought and disease, expanding our reach to rural regions that have received little or no aid. We’ll also provide emergency assistance and work with local communities to build resilience against potential disasters.

Health

People should be protected from illness and receive medical treatment when they need it. The IRC will work to ensure that people are protected from water, sanitation and hygiene-related diseases. Towards this outcome, we will improve access to safe water and sanitation facilities, especially in vulnerable rural areas.

We will also help communities provide clinical care for sexual assault survivors and establish programmes to protect women and girls from violence.

Economic wellbeing

People should have the means to meet basic needs; they should have opportunities to earn an income and build their assets. The IRC will continue to work with farmers whose livelihoods have been destroyed by natural disasters. We will also provide financial services and set up career initiatives that help people recover and gain control of their futures.

Power

People should have a say in decisions that affect them collectively. The IRC will work with Zimbabweans to strengthen local communities, develop decision-making skills and plan disaster risk management programs. With a commitment to gender equality, we will also work to ensure that women and girls have the same opportunities as men and boys.

As in all our efforts, the IRC will strive to reach more people more quickly, increase the effectiveness of our work, listen to the concerns of those affected by our work, and hold ourselves accountable for results.

Download the IRC's Zimbabwe strategy action plan to learn more about our programme priorities through 2020.