Zimbabwe
The Red Cross is helping people in Zimbabwe deal with food security and the impacts of climate change.
Last updated 16 February 2026
Flooding in southern Africa
Heavy rains and flash floods have hit southern Africa, affecting over 1.3 million people and causing at least 159 deaths, with Mozambique worst impacted. Flooding worsened after Massingir Dam went over 100% capacity in mid‑January 2026.
Flood risk remains high across countries including Zimbabwe, Zambia, Eswatini, Malawi, Botswana, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mozambique, South Africa and Tanzania. Damage, access issues, power cuts and limited supplies are slowing the response. Displacement and overcrowded shelters are increasing protection risks.
In Zimbabwe, heavy rains hit Manicaland, Mashonaland East, Mashonaland Central and Mashonaland West. These areas saw the most damage and deaths between 1 and 9 January. By mid‑January, at least 82 people had died and thousands were displaced. More than 1,000 homes were destroyed. Cholera outbreaks have also been reported.
Resources are not enough for the expected floods in high-risk areas. Early warning systems and information sharing are weak. Evacuation centres are basic facilities but cannot support the number of people who may need them.
What is happening in Zimbabwe?
Climate change is resulting in more extreme weather events causing more frequent and severe disasters. These are hurting food security, housing and livelihoods, especially in rural areas.
Dependence on rain‑fed farming, damaged land and limited livelihood options make things worse. Women and young people are affected the most because they have less access to resources and decision‑making.
- Over 1.5 million people are expected to be food insecure from January to March 2026
- 69% of households reported livestock diseases linked to poor grazing and limited water
- About 50,000 cattle died due to drought in 2024
Building climate resilience in Zimbabwe
We’re supporting the Climate Resilient Communities and Livelihoods (CiRCLe) Project.
The project supports locally led, long‑term climate resilience in Mwenezi District. Ongoing dry spells and droughts are causing low crop yields and poor livestock performance, threatening food supplies and livelihoods.
Key focuses:
1. Safe water
- Reliable and fair access to safe water for household, livestock and farming.
- Helping families improve their water, sanitation, and hygiene practices.
2. Food and livelihoods
- More reliable, nutritious food production and income through climate‑smart farming.
3. Community adaptation and governance
- Strengthen communities’ ability to manage climate risks and make inclusive decisions.
- Better early warning systems and community‑led activities to reduce climate and disaster risks.
4. Strengthening the Red Cross
- Improve systems, leadership and climate‑responsive plans in local Red Cross branches.
What are we doing to help Zimbabwe?
The British Red Cross is supporting the Zimbabwe Red Cross to strengthen its governance. The focus is on improving safeguarding and inclusion systems. We are also helping to strengthen community resilience programmes, including early action, food security, livelihoods, epidemic response and youth engagement.
Disease prevention, especially cholera, is a key priority. The Red Cross works with communities to improve water, sanitation and hygiene facilities and reduce risk of disease spreading. Strong partnerships and networks also help strengthen governance and financial stability.
More about our work in Zimbabwe
From Kent to Zimbabwe: JB Gill on farmers and climate change
JLS band member turned TV presenter JB Gill finds out how farmers in Zimbabwe deal with climate change.
The climate crisis
In the UK and around the world, the Red Cross is united to support people affected by climate change.