Key challenges: Zimbabwe

Monica and Morrison are recieving help from CAFOD's programme in Zimbabwe. [CAFOD]

Since independence, CAFOD has supported an active development programme, both through church-run programmes and non-church organisations

Economic crisis: Zimbabwe’s economy is in deep disarray. Many international donors have either withdrawn or scaled back aid programmes. Unemployment is rising.

Land and water: An estimated 4,660 large-scale commercial farms, owned mainly by white farmers, occupy 11.2 million hectares, mostly in the fertile farming areas.

In communal areas, six million black people occupy 16.4 million hectares – three-quarters of these are in the poorest agricultural areas. Almost one-quarter of Zimbabweans have inadequate access to safe water.

HIV and AIDS: The social, psychological and economic impacts of HIV/AIDS are enormous. More than 1.5 million Zimbabweans are believed to be HIV-positive, and one in three 15 year olds is expected to die before the age of 30.

The consequences for the health sector are profound – and the impact is felt by all families, many of whom are caring for those who are ill, providing homes for orphans, or grieving for friends and relatives who have passed away.

Poor governance: Zimbabwe’s Government stands accused of oppressing opposing voices, and harming the judiciary and media.

There is evidence of a significant number of abuses of basic human rights, widespread corruption, and little respect for senior politicians.

Emergencies: A combination of economic, political and social crises, overlaid with the impact of drought in recent years, means poverty is increasing and people are unable to provide their families with enough food to eat.