The impact of COVID-19 on informal humanitarian supply chains – The case study of Zimbabwe

Abstract

Background: For the last 20 years Zimbabwe has been dependent on humanitarian aid. The country is in a desperate condition, with millions of citizens leaving to reside in neighbouring countries. These Zimbabweans are providing and sending food, necessities and cash to relatives in the country using largely informal humanitarian supply chains (HSCs). The outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was disastrous causing more hardship.

Objective: This case study explores how informal HSCs played a significant role in the Zimbabwe humanitarian aid initiative and the impact of COVID-19 on these supply chains.

Method: A mixed method design was used to collect qualitative data through personal interviews with Zimbabweans in South Africa. Additional quantitative data was obtained from humanitarian reports, Zimbabwe government reports as well as other publications. These were used to present the humanitarian crisis in Zimbabwe and specifically how support was provided through informal HSCs from outside Zimbabwe.

Results: Through the case study the devastating effect COVID-19 had on a large component of the food insecure and suffering population of Zimbabwe is vividly illustrated. The closing of national borders prevented any food and other necessities, sent by diaspora from South Africa, reaching relatives.

Conclusion: The results of this case study show the effect COVID-19 had on the humanitarian aid from relatives in South Africa. All the aid to Zimbabweans completely stopped for an extended period as these informal HSCs were completely broken because of the COVID-19 pandemic and 2 years later they remain disrupted.