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'2016 Starvation in Zimbabwe', by Lakheli Nyanthi. (Photo: Ukuthula Trust)

In February 2016 the Zimbabwean Government declared a state of emergency in response to a prolonged drought. Stemming from El Niño - a cyclical weather pattern of warming in the central and eastern tropical Pacific, more severe than usual – this drought resulted in crop failure, food shortages and severe hardship for people already living a precarious existence.

In this arpillera, Lakheli gives us a window into the severity of the situation in her local area. The words “Severe drought” and “Starvation” dominate the piece. She graphically explains the reality and sense of desperation: “In 2016, the rains failed and people in Zimbabwe are facing starvation in some rural areas. The textile shows hungry people and livestock, and a nearly empty dam. ‘Asazi’ means ‘what can we do?’ and 'iThemba' means 'hope'.”

Almost three years later, following El-Nino induced poor rainfall, Cyclone Idai and economic uncertainty, there is little change. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) for Zimbabwe projected that 3.58 million people (38%) would face severe acute food insecurity between October and December 2019. Information bulletin Zimbabwe: Food Insecurity (IFRC)

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