The United Nations World Food Program says it is struggling to raise more than $200 million to ease food insecurity in Zimbabwe. Economic collapse and recurring droughts in the country — once the breadbasket of southern Africa — have left 5.5 million people without enough to eat.
Maria Gunzi, a 66-year-old widow, farms her land, but worries she will not have enough food to last until the next harvest.
"Hunger and poverty are real here, I do not even have fertilizer for the land I am preparing," she said. "All my crops were burnt by the sun last season and there is no food aid coming. These wild fruits are not getting buyers, people are broke. I wish the government would chip in with assistance, especially for us, the old. Hunger is giving me a real headache."
Gunzi is among the 5.5 million people in Zimbabwe who are food insecure until at least next April, because of the collapsed economy and recurring droughts, according to the World Food Program.
"For us, we look at the severity of the (economic) situation, and coupled with the fact that the forecast for the 2019/2020 agricultural season is also not good, it is almost similar to last year's forecast," said Eddie Rowe, director of World Food Program in Zimbabwe. "We reckon that we will be in for a long run."
Eddie Rowe, the director of the World Food Program in Zimbabwe, says the organization has a funding gap of more than $200 million to ease the southern African nation's humanitarian crisis, in Harare, Dec. 5, 2019. (Columbus Mavhunga/VOA)
WFP says it sometimes imports food from Zambia to aid Zimbabwe, but the drought-damaged Zambia has imposed a ban on corn exports.
"We are running against time. We need these commodities by January," Rowe said. "For us to implement this program at scale, reaching 4.1 million, from January up to April, and then 1.5 million May and June, it would cost us a total of $293 million. We have only received 30 percent of that. Meaning that we have a funding gap of $211 million."
The WFP official maintains hope that international donors will assist Zimbabwe, though he knows the country is competing for funds with emergency situations in war-torn places such as Yemen, Sudan and Somalia.
But any aid would be a relief to Maria Gunzi, who says climate change has affected her, as she used to be able to fend for herself.
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Artificial Intelligence Is Transforming Industries Across the World
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming one of the most influential technologies in modern history. Businesses, governments, and educational institutions are increasingly using AI-powered systems to improve efficiency, automate processes, and analyze massive amounts of information faster than ever before. From healthcare and banking to agriculture and entertainment, artificial intelligence is changing the way people work and interact with technology.
One of the most visible uses of AI is in customer service and online communication. Businesses are deploying AI-powered chatbots to answer customer questions, process orders, and provide support around the clock. Online shopping platforms use machine learning algorithms to recommend products based on user preferences and browsing history. Streaming services also use AI to personalize content recommendations for viewers worldwide.
The healthcare industry has experienced major breakthroughs through artificial intelligence. Medical researchers are using AI systems to assist with disease detection, drug development, and patient monitoring. Hospitals can analyze medical data more quickly and accurately, helping doctors improve diagnoses and treatment planning. In regions facing healthcare shortages, AI-powered telemedicine solutions are expanding access to medical support.
Agriculture is another industry benefiting from AI innovation. Farmers are using smart technology to monitor crops, predict weather conditions, and improve harvest efficiency. In Africa, digital farming solutions are helping small-scale farmers increase productivity while reducing waste and environmental impact.
Education systems are also changing as artificial intelligence becomes more common in classrooms and online learning platforms. AI-powered tutoring systems provide personalized lessons for students based on their learning pace and strengths. Teachers can use digital tools to simplify grading, track student performance, and improve educational outcomes.
Despite the opportunities AI creates, experts also warn about potential risks. Concerns about job displacement, misinformation, privacy, and cybersecurity remain important topics globally. Governments and technology companies are being encouraged to develop ethical guidelines and regulations to ensure responsible use of artificial intelligence.
As technology continues evolving, AI is expected to play a central role in shaping future economies and industries. Countries investing in digital infrastructure, education, and innovation are likely to benefit the most from the growing AI revolution.
Consumer Fraud Class Action: Holding Companies Accountable
A consumer fraud class action may arise when a company misleads customers through false advertising, hidden fees, unfair billing, fake discounts, or deceptive business practices.
These cases can involve banks, phone companies, subscription services, car dealers, insurance companies, online retailers, and financial products.
A consumer may lose a small amount, but when thousands of people are affected, the total harm can be large.
Class actions help consumers combine claims and challenge companies that may otherwise avoid accountability.
Possible results may include refunds, account credits, debt cancellation, fee changes, or policy updates.
Consumers should keep contracts, receipts, screenshots, emails, bills, and customer service records.
If many people experienced the same issue, a class action lawyer may investigate whether the company violated consumer protection laws.
