The Government of Zimbabwe, in partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP), has launched a critical food assistance program aimed at supporting marginalized communities severely affected by the El Niño-induced drought.
This joint initiative seeks to alleviate the suffering of vulnerable populations, who have been struggling to access basic necessities due to the devastating drought. Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, July Moyo, announced the immediate disbursement of food and cash assistance to vulnerable rural populations and Urban settlement respectively.
Speaking at a drought mitigation strategy workshop at Clevers Resort last week, Moyo stressed the need for swift distribution of Cash in the urban settlement”For those who had previously registered or been invited to receive aid, I commend the beginning of distributing cash, the Ministry of Finance had provided funding for the cash assistance program and our officials should commence the cash distribution through mobile money in areas where you already have the list of people to receive cash,” said Minister Moyo.
He however, expressed concern about the practicality of cash distribution in rural areas.”The challenge of distributing cash in the rural areas is accessing shops to purchase food, the beneficiaries would spend a significant portion of the cash on transportation, leaving little for food purchases, so in rural areas they will receive grains,” he said.
He commended the World Food Programme (WFP) for their support and emphasized the importance of coordination and capacitation to ensure successful food distribution.” As government we express gratitude for donations from our partners and is working with various donors to address food insecurity. President Mnangagwa has personally received donations to show appreciation, while the Ministry of Finance is providing additional support, including vehicles and fuel for transportation of the food aid” he added.
The food parcel distribution program is targeting communities in rural areas, who have been hardest hit by the drought. The WFP has provided vital support, including food supplies and logistical assistance, to ensure that aid reaches those most in need.
The Government of Zimbabwe has complemented this effort by mobilizing resources and personnel to facilitate the distribution process. Together, they are working tirelessly to ensure that affected families receive essential food items, such as to help them weather the drought. This collaborative effort has brought hope to many, providing a lifeline to communities on the brink of disaster.
WFP Zimbabwe Head of Programme, Nina Berettapiccoli, noted that over 22,000 people in four districts are in serious need of food aid.” In Mangwe, Chivi, Buhera, and Mwenezi they have already benefited from the food aid program, the WFP is targeting rural areas, particularly those affected by the induced drought El Nino, and has a close collaboration with the Government of Zimbabwe,” said Nina.
