By Rev. Charles Matlobo, 20th Episcopal District
I have been following President Donald Trump’s policies and recent executive orders and wonder what will happen to the already ailing church in Zimbabwe. The withdrawal of foreign financial aid to Africa, particularly in Zimbabwe, will severely affect members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. This article will focus on Zimbabwe. The AME Church, especially in rural communities, has greatly benefited from USAID through community projects and engagements.
For numerous years, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been a cornerstone of supporting developmental and humanitarian efforts in Zimbabwe. However, its withdrawal is poised to have significant repercussions, particularly for ordinary Zimbabweans who have immensely benefited from its various programs and initiatives.
In the healthcare sector, USAID has been a vital partner in funding and supporting the provision of essential medical services. With its exit, there is a potential for a marked decrease in the availability of critical health services. Clinics and hospitals, especially those in rural areas where most of our church members are found, already grappling with limited access to healthcare, may face shortages of medical supplies, equipment, and medications. Furthermore, USAID has played a crucial role in combating HIV/AIDS and malaria through its support for treatment, prevention, and education programs. The withdrawal could result in reduced funding for these initiatives, leading to an increase in HIV/AIDS and malaria cases, which would not only pose a direct threat to lives but also strain an already burdened healthcare system.
In the education sector, USAID’s contributions have significantly improved school infrastructure and provided educational resources. Its withdrawal could lead to struggles in maintaining school facilities and providing adequate learning materials, particularly in underprivileged areas, resulting in a decline in the quality of education. Additionally, the scholarships and training programs USAID provides for teachers have enhanced the quality of education. The cessation of these scholarships will limit opportunities for students from low-income families to pursue higher education, and the discontinuation of teacher training programs will impact the professional development of educators, further affecting education standards.
Economically, USAID has supported various development programs aimed at job creation and fostering entrepreneurship in Zimbabwe. The withdrawal of USAID could result in reduced funding for these programs, leading to fewer job opportunities and stifling the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises, exacerbating unemployment and economic instability. In the agricultural sector, USAID’s involvement in providing resources and training for farmers has bolstered productivity and sustainability. Its withdrawal could lead to a decline in agricultural outputs, affecting food security and livelihoods, especially in rural areas where farming is the primary source of income.
Humanitarian assistance from USAID has been a lifeline for many vulnerable populations in Zimbabwe, including children and pregnant women. The withdrawal of USAID could result in reduced food assistance, exacerbating malnutrition and food insecurity, with dire consequences for the health and well-being of ordinary Zimbabweans. Moreover, USAID’s support for disaster relief and preparedness initiatives has been crucial in helping communities respond to and recover from natural disasters such as droughts and cyclones. Its withdrawal could leave the country less equipped to handle future disasters, putting lives and livelihoods at risk.
Socially and politically, USAID has funded various community development programs aimed at improving living conditions and fostering social cohesion. The cessation of these programs could lead to a decline in community development efforts, affecting the quality of life for many Zimbabweans and potentially increasing social tensions and conflicts within communities. Furthermore, USAID’s initiatives to strengthen governance and civil society in Zimbabwe, promoting transparency, accountability, and citizen participation, could be undermined by its withdrawal. This could lead to weaker governance structures and reduced civic engagement, with long-term implications for the country’s political stability and development.
In conclusion, the withdrawal of USAID from Zimbabwe will undoubtedly have far-reaching impacts on our church members and ordinary Zimbabweans. From healthcare and education to economic development and humanitarian assistance, the loss of USAID support will affect various aspects of daily life for many people. Now it is the time for the connectional church to chip in, as other denominations are already making strides to take care of their own through various non-governmental organisations.
