By Simbarashe Muparaganda
Bulawayo, (New Ziana) — Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare officials have been implored to prepare early for an anticipated El Niño-induced drought in the coming farming season and ensure that development partners support programmes shaped by national priorities.
Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Edgar Moyo said this on Monday while addressing the Ministry’s 2026-2027 strategic planning workshop in Bulawayo.
The workshop is reviewing the performance and challenges of the Ministry, and setting priorities to support the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS 2).
Moyo warned that drought could worsen household food insecurity, threaten livelihoods and deepen the vulnerability of communities.
According to the government, at least 7.5 million people could require food assistance next year if the El Niño-induced drought materialises.
Weather experts have put the probability of an El Niño-induced drought at 80 percent, prompting the government to activate disaster-response mechanisms ahead of the potentially severe dry spell.
Among the measures being pursued is the building of strategic grain reserves to 600 000 tons, while the government is also expanding irrigation systems this farming season to reduce the country’s dependence on rainfall.
“As we look forward to the 2027 budget year, we must give serious consideration to preparedness for the anticipated El Niño-induced drought and its potential impact on household food security, livelihoods and the welfare of vulnerable communities,” he said.
Drawing lessons from previous droughts, Moyo called for proactive risk assessments, early identification of vulnerable households, stronger social protection systems and timely mobilisation of resources.
He said provincial and district structures should be equipped to identify affected families, maintain reliable beneficiary data and deliver food assistance, cash transfers and other essential support.
“Our approach must shift from reactive crisis response towards anticipated action and resilience building, ensuring that assistance reaches those who need it most before their circumstances deteriorate,” he said.
Moyo also urged officials to improve coordination with government Ministries, local authorities, development partners, the private sector and community structures so that interventions are well resourced and responsive to emerging needs.
He stressed that drought-related hardship should not reverse the country’s social protection gains.
“As we plan for 2027, we must be deliberate in ensuring that no vulnerable household is left without support,” he said.
Moyo welcomed support from donors and Non-governmental Organisations but emphasised that the Ministry should retain ownership of its programming.
“Partnerships with development partners and NGOs are welcome, but programming must be led by us, grounded in our national values, priorities and aspirations,” he said.
With traditional donor support declining, Moyo encouraged Ministry officials to diversify funding sources by strengthening private-sector partnerships, mobilising domestic resources and supporting community-driven development initiatives.
Moyo also listed drug and substance abuse, particularly among young people, high youth unemployment, the informalisation of the economy, household food insecurity, rising vulnerability and irregular migration among the challenges requiring attention.
“These challenges are significant, but they are not insurmountable. Through collaboration, innovation and resourcefulness, we can develop practical and sustainable solutions,” he said.
He urged Ministry officials to fast-track outstanding programmes, clear implementation bottlenecks and prioritise high-impact initiatives to improve service delivery, social protection and employment outcomes.
New Ziana
