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Country analysis

Zimbabwe

An estimated 7.7 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance in Zimbabwe because of the economic crisis that started in 2008, characterised by hyperinflation and increased poverty levels, and an unstable political situation following the Zimbabwean army’s removal of President Robert Mugabe in November 2017. Malnutrition, HIV/AIDS, cyclones, and cholera epidemics are all major humanitarian concerns in the country. Zimbabwe is facing low harvests, high food prices, and the socioeconomic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, all of which have aggravated food insecurity.

Inflation persists in the country as a result of economic shocks. Even though the annual headline inflation fell from 255% in November 2022 to 243.8% in December, the month-on-month inflation rate rose to 2.4% in December from 1.8% in November as a result of the increase in food prices during that period. Aside from the already high inflation rates, the disruption of fuel and food imports resulting from the Russian conflict in Ukraine also led to a 20% increase in the price of diesel and a 6% increase in the price of petrol in November 2022 compared with the same period in 2021.

(AAH accessed 28/01/2023, The Conversation 27/07/2022, CFR 01/06/2022, WFP 18/01/2023, FAO et al. 22/12/2022)

An estimated 7.7 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance in Zimbabwe because of the economic crisis that started in 2008, characterised by hyperinflation and increased poverty levels, and an unstable political situation following the Zimbabwean army’s removal of President Robert Mugabe in November 2017. Malnutrition, HIV/AIDS, cyclones, and cholera epidemics are all major humanitarian concerns in the country. Zimbabwe is facing low harvests, high food prices, and the socioeconomic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, all of which have aggravated food insecurity.

Inflation persists in the country as a result of economic shocks. Even though the annual headline inflation fell from 255% in November 2022 to 243.8% in December, the month-on-month inflation rate rose to 2.4% in December from 1.8% in November as a result of the increase in food prices during that period. Aside from the already high inflation rates, the disruption of fuel and food imports resulting from the Russian conflict in Ukraine also led to a 20% increase in the price of diesel and a 6% increase in the price of petrol in November 2022 compared with the same period in 2021.

(AAH accessed 28/01/2023, The Conversation 27/07/2022, CFR 01/06/2022, WFP 18/01/2023, FAO et al. 22/12/2022)

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Latest updates on country situation

20 September 2023

In Zimbabwe, concerns about food insecurity stemming from environmental conditions are leading more people to adopt crop diversification, water harvesting, the use of drought-tolerant crops, and consumption-based coping as the lean season approaches. The El Niño phenomenon is expected to reduce rainfall throughout the country, particularly in western areas, from October–December 2023. (WFP 31/08/2023, C3S accessed 27/09/2023)

17 July 2023

The initial effects of El Niño are leading to drier-than-normal conditions in Zimbabwe, most likely affecting food security in the coming months. The November 2023 to March 2024 period is expected to be drier than average and will coincide with the agricultural season, which might significantly affect crop planting, growth, and harvest. In 2023, an estimated three million people will be in need of humanitarian assistance, including two million children, as a result of the combined impact of climate change and the protracted economic crisis in the country. Since February 2023, a cholera outbreak has also been affecting most regions. Main needs include nutrition, health, protection, education, and WASH services. (FAO 17/07/2023, UNICEF 05/06/2023)

current crises
in Zimbabwe

These crises have been identified through the INFORM Severity Index, a tool for measuring and comparing the severity of humanitarian crises globally.

Read more about the Index

REG012 - Southern Africa Regional Food Security Crisis

Last updated 30/09/2023

Drivers


Crisis level

Regional

Severity level

3.6 High

Access constraints

2.0

ZWE001 - Complex crisis

Last updated 30/09/2023

Drivers

Socio-political
Drought

Crisis level

Country

Severity level

3.5 High

Access constraints

2.0

Analysis products
on Zimbabwe

Ripple effects of the conflict in Ukraine: truths and myths

22 December 2022

Ripple effects of the conflict in Ukraine: truths and myths

DOCUMENT / PDF / 4 MB

This report provides a commentary on relevant datasets as it examines trends related to the economic effects of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine on selected countries in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. 

Conflict and violenceEconomy
Zimbabwe: Tropical Cyclone Idai, Update I

29 March 2019

Zimbabwe: Tropical Cyclone Idai, Update I

DOCUMENT / PDF / 406 KB

Since 19 March, severe flooding continues to affect eastern Zimbabwe. In total, it is estimated that 270,000 people have been affected in nine districts, mainly in Chimanimani and Chipinge districts, Manicaland province. This marks a significant increase of more than 250,000 people since our last report.

Natural hazards
Zimbabwe: Tropical Cyclone Idai

19 March 2019

Zimbabwe: Tropical Cyclone Idai

DOCUMENT / PDF / 503 KB

Tropical Cyclone Idai hit eastern Zimbabwe with heavy rains and strong winds on 15-16 March. Manicaland and Masvingo provinces are mostly impacted, facing massive destructing caused by floods and landslides. An estimated number of 12,500 to 15,000 people have been affected overall, with at least 9,600 people in the hardest hit districts.

Natural hazards
Zimbabwe: Cholera outbreak

18 September 2018

Zimbabwe: Cholera outbreak

DOCUMENT / PDF / 424 KB

An outbreak of cholera declared on 6 September has killed at least 30 people and infected at least 5,460. The most severely affected areas are the two epicentres of the outbreaks in the suburbs of Glenview and Budiriro in western Harare. The outbreak has spread from Harare to Chitungwiza, and west to Gokwe and Bulawayo. 

Health
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