Home to Victoria Falls, one of the natural wonders of the world, Zimbabwe is a country of spectacular beauty. Once a major tobacco producer and known as the bread basket of Africa, Zimbabwe’s agriculturally based economy has now collapsed and inflation is soaring.
Robert Mugabe is the nation’s first prime minister and the only ruler since independence in 1980. His land redistribution campaign – the seizure of white-owned farms that began in 2000 – crippled the economy and has led to widespread shortages of basic commodities.
Recent droughts have also contributed to severe food shortages. Tearfund partners have been able to administer life-saving food aid, as well as focussing on advocacy work to address injustice.
Changing weather patterns and the impact of HIV and AIDS mean that there is no quick fix, but Tearfund partners are working with communities to find long-term solutions.