Integrated Emergency Response for El Niño Drought-Affected Communities in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, and Malawi
The Situation
An unprecedented El Niño-induced drought—the worst in decades—is severely impacting communities across Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique. Over 29 million people in the region require urgent humanitarian assistance due to failed harvests, dried-up water sources, rising malnutrition, and escalating protection risks, especially for women and girls. The crisis has significantly eroded community coping capacities and increased reliance on harmful survival strategies such as child marriage, school dropout, and transactional sex.
Zimbabwe: Severe drought has left over half the population in targeted districts in IPC Phase 3 or worse. Water access is critically low, with many boreholes non-functional. Malnutrition rates are rising, and cholera outbreaks persist. Women and girls face long distances to fetch water and increased SGBV risks.
Zambia: Nearly 30% of the population is in IPC Phase 3+, with Western Province facing widespread IPC Phase 4. Water scarcity is acute, leading to reliance on unsafe sources. Food prices are rising sharply, impacting vulnerable households, particularly female-headed ones.
Mozambique: Around 2.8 million people are in IPC Phase 3+, with Gaza Province among the worst affected. Communities face severe water shortages, failed harvests, and increasing malnutrition. Women and children are especially vulnerable due to unsafe water collection and migration pressures.
Malawi: Approximately 28% of the population is in IPC Phase 3+, with Chikwawa District recording some of the highest food insecurity rates. Boreholes are frequently non-functional, and water access is limited. SGBV cases and child marriages have surged as negative coping strategies increase.
How are women and girls affected?
Women and girls bear the brunt of this crisis. They walk further to collect water, face increased exposure to SGBV, and are often last to eat in food-insecure households. Oxfam's response prioritizes their needs and leadership, ensuring gender-sensitive sanitation, menstrual health support, and strong community-based protection systems. Girls are empowered to stay in school and access support in safe, dignified spaces.
DETAILS
Budget: $9.5M CAD
Duration: 18 Months (2025 – 2026)
Lire la description du programme en français (PDF)
Our Supporters: This project is undertaken with the financial support of the Government of Canada, provided through Global Affairs Canada, and the generous Canadian public.
Locations
- Zimbabwe: Mberengwa District, Midlands Province
- Zambia: Gwembe, Namwala and Sinazongwe Districts (Southern Province); Kalabo, Kaoma and Mongu Districts (Western Province)
- Mozambique: Chigubo, Chicualacuala and Massangena Districts, Gaza Province
- Malawi: Chikwawa District, Southern Region
Partners:
- Zimbabwe: The Bethany Project
- Zambia: Keepers Zambia Foundation, Women for Change
- Mozambique: AJOAGO (Association of Young People and Friends of Govuro)
- Malawi: Evangelical Lutheran Development Services (ELDS)
What are we doing?
Wash
Expanding safe access to water and sanitation by repairing boreholes, installing solar water systems, and promoting gender-sensitive hygiene with women leading community WASH committees.
FOOD SECURITY
Helping families meet their food needs through cash and voucher support, nutritional screenings, and ensuring women shape household food decisions.
PROTECTION
Strengthening safety for women and girls by creating safe spaces, training communities to prevent SGBV, and providing dignity kits and referral support for survivors.
WHAT DO WE HOPE TO ACHIEVE?
Oxfam Canada and local partners, with the generous support of Global Affairs Canada, are delivering a multi-country, 18-month integrated humanitarian response focusing on three pillars: WASH, Food Security, and Protection, reaching 155,386 individuals across four countries, including: Women: 44,769, Men: 41,188, Girls: 35,615, Boys: 33,814
WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene): 155,386 people (80,384 female, 75,002 male); 31,077 Households (HHs)
- Rehabilitating boreholes and sanitation facilities, installing solar-powered water systems.
- Training WASH Committees with 60% female participation.
- Distributing hygiene kits and menstrual health materials to women and girls.
- Promoting gender-sensitive hygiene education and safe waste disposal.
Food Security: 9,260 Households, 46,300 individuals
- Distributing unconditional cash (Malawi, Zambia) and food vouchers (Mozambique, Zimbabwe)
- Conducting nutritional screenings and referring malnourished individuals for care.
- Monitoring markets and engaging women in decision-making.
Protection:155,386 people (80,384 female, 75,002 male); 31,077 HHs
- Establishing 39 women- and girl-friendly safe spaces.
- Training 54 community protection focal points and officials on SGBV prevention.
- Creating referral pathways and awareness campaigns for SGBV services.
- Distributing dignity kits to survivors and at-risk girls.