Zimbabwe has stepped up preparations for the expected El Niño conditions during the 2026–2027 rainfall season.
The Government has partnered with development organisations to protect vulnerable communities from climate-related hardships.
The new programme focuses on three areas: water, sanitation and hygiene, nutrition, and child protection.
Officials launched the initiative at Kawoyo Clinic in Goromonzi, Mashonaland East, on Friday.
More than 200,000 residents are expected to benefit from the programme.
The initiative aims to strengthen communities before drought-related challenges intensify.
Programme targets nutrition and vulnerable children
Residents have welcomed the intervention, particularly its focus on nutrition and children’s welfare.
Agatha Mutasa said the programme was already supporting families through community gardens.
“This programme is helping us as community members. What we are using for nutrition is what we grow in our gardens, such as Mukodzandonda porridge. It is also helping us as Care women to assist every child in the community to have birth certificates,” said one resident, Agatha Mutasa.
Meanwhile, UNICEF Zimbabwe has joined Government agencies to strengthen local preparedness.
UNICEF Zimbabwe Representative Mrs Etona Ekole said communities needed stronger protection against climate shocks.
“This is a programme that we have partnered with the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Health and Child Care and the Registrar’s Office as we want to build resilience of communities against climate shocks. We are managing the shocks of the last El Niño as well as preparing for the coming one, working with communities, leaders and mothers to provide nutritious foods for children and ensure that children have birth certificates,” she said.
China has also pledged continued support for programmes benefiting women and children.
Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding described the initiative as evidence of strong bilateral cooperation.
“This project and many others are a powerful testimony to the long-standing friendship between the two countries. We will continue to work with UNICEF as we support short-term and long-term solutions to address challenges affecting women and children,” he said.
Government expands climate resilience measures
Local leaders have also backed the programme as communities prepare for possible drought conditions.
Proportional Representation Legislator Emily Jesaya said farming communities understood the effects of El Niño.
“As a farming community, we understand the hardships that El Niño droughts have brought to our families. This project therefore brings hope to our mothers, children and communities,” said Proportional Representation Legislator, Honourable Emily Jesaya.
At the same time, Mashonaland East authorities highlighted ongoing Government investment in water infrastructure.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Advocate Itayi Ndudzo said the programme supports broader Government projects.
“The programmes brought by our partners are complementing Government programmes, including the construction of Kunzvi Dam in Goromonzi District, which will provide water to local communities and Harare. This will enable projects such as irrigation,” he said.
Health authorities are also promoting alternative food sources ahead of possible drought conditions.
Deputy Health Minister Sleiman Kwidini said communities must prepare before food shortages affect children.
“As advised by our Meteorological Services Department, this year we might experience drought. Today we are launching this programme to ensure we prevent and stay ahead so that we do not have malnutrition. We have launched this partnership with China Aid and UNICEF to educate communities that even without rains, we can have foods that promote nutrition during difficult times,” said Deputy Minister Kwidini.
He added that WASH initiatives would help communities prevent disease outbreaks.
Furthermore, authorities plan to expand digital birth registration programmes into other districts.
With forecasts pointing towards a possible Super El Niño, Zimbabwe is accelerating climate-smart agriculture measures.
The Government hopes these interventions will protect food supplies while safeguarding children and vulnerable households.
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