Zimbabwe has officially been removed from the global Hunger Hotspots list, signalling major progress in improving food security.
The milestone was confirmed in a joint report by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP), supported by the EU’s Global Network Against Food Crises (GNAFC).
FAO’s Southern Africa Coordinator, Patrice Talla, said the move reflects more than just improved statistics. Said Talla:
For Zimbabwe, exiting the Hunger Hotspots list represents renewed hope, enhanced stability, and the potential for accelerated economic and social development.
Zimbabwe’s removal from the global Hunger Hotspots list signals improved food security and a shift towards long-term agricultural development.
Talla said the list identifies countries at risk of severe food shortages, and Zimbabwe’s repeated appearances, especially during 2014 to 2019, showed past struggles with drought and economic instability.
Talla praised the Zimbabwean government for tackling food insecurity through initiatives like the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme, which promote climate-smart farming and access to inputs.
He also noted FAO’s support, including training, policy advice, drought-resistant crops, improved water and post-harvest management, market access, and livestock health.
Talla, however, warned that issues like economic instability, inflation, and the ongoing threat of climate change are still very real.
He stressed that to secure long-term food security, it’s important to keep up the momentum, build on the progress made, and boost resilience.
He also called for continued teamwork between the government, development partners, and farmers to make sure the recent gains in food security aren’t lost.
More: CITE
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