Zimbabwe’s president, Robert Mugabe, has declared a state of disaster in rural areas hit by a severe drought, as more than a quarter of the population face food shortages. An estimated 2.4 million people are now in need of food aid, more than a quarter of the population.

A regional drought worsened by the El Niño weather phenomenon has affected South Africa, Malawi and Zambia as well as Zimbabwe, leaving tens of thousands of cattle dead, reservoirs depleted and crops destroyed. Formerly known as the breadbasket of Africa, Zimbabwe has suffered perennial shortages in recent years and has relied on importing grain from neighbouring countries to meet its needs.

Most of the fields that should have been planted are bare. The crop that was planted is distressed and stunted. Wildlife has also not been spared. In the Hwange National Park, the authorities have drilled boreholes to ensure a constant supply of drinking water for the animals. The agricultural sector has been the worst affected, with tobacco and cotton farmers also bracing themselves for disaster.