Story by Mercy Bofu-Matinha
Government and its partners continue to ensure communities are food secure in the face of the elnino-induced drought, with the people of Chivi benefitting from the launch of the Lean Assistance Programme in the district.
More than 123 000 villagers started receiving food aid this Thursday through collaborative efforts between the government of Zimbabwe, World Food Programme and the government of Russia.
Villagers say the programme, which will run for the next three months, will cushion them against the effects of current El-Nino-induced drought.
“We are happy that our government and its partners continue to support us through food aid. This area is in Region 5 and many times we are food insecure, but this season was worse due to the El-Nino season experienced last year. The donation we received will cushion us and our children for the next months,” a villager.
Another said, “Today we received cereals, oils and pulses and these will go a long way in ensuring a balanced diet for us and our children. The government is doing its best in ensuring food security for us and our livestock and we appreciate the support including sinking boreholes for clean and safe water.”
The Russian government which donated oils and pulses worth US$2 million pledged to continue supporting Zimbabwe in ensuring food security.
Russia Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr Nikolai Krasilnikov NOTED, “Today we are handing over to Zimbabwe another humanitarian supply coming from Russia. It consists of 559 tonnes of nutritious pulses and 164 tonnes of cooking oil enriched with Vitamins A and D. This donation by the Russian Federation amounts to 2 million USD. This is a part of my country’s contribution to the United Nations World Food Programme. Its purpose is to assist the most vulnerable communities affected by El Niño-induced drought – the worst in four decades that hit the sub-region of South East Africa. We are well aware of the successful efforts that the Government of Zimbabwe has been taking to build up resilience of agriculture the main sector of the country’s economy. At the same time, it is clear that the aftermath of a natural disaster of such a magnitude can be overcome only by urgent and collective actions at all levels – including the UN bodies, national governments and ordinary farmers.”
Barbara Clemens, World Food Programme Country Director also spoke about the WFP’s programmes.
“Between now and March 2025, WFP, aims to assist close to 1 million people across the country with food assistance. This demonstrates our shared commitment to addressing immediate needs while laying the groundwork for recovery and resilience. As we respond to this challenge, we must also look to the future. To protect people against future shocks we need to strengthen resilience at all levels. This includes investing in climate-smart agriculture, scaling up social protection systems and climate risk insurance, and empowering communities to build sustainable livelihoods.”
The government of Zimbabwe thanked its partners for the support, reiterating that no one will die of hunger.
Honourable Ezra Chadzamira, Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution said, “The Declaration of State of National Disaster for the 2023/24 agriculture season by President Emmerson Mnangagwa triggered the United Nations family, the donor community, private sector and individuals to complement Government efforts with diverse resources. I am glad that the Russian Federation heeded the call and responded by providing vegetable oil and pulses complementing Government which is providing cereals while WFP is providing associated costs for the twinning. This programme will go a long way in helping our populace which was negatively affected by drought.”
The gesture was hailed by the Deputy Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Engineer Benjamin Kabikira.
“The Government of Zimbabwe is a shining example of how global solidarity can address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. Russia’s consistent support demonstrates a deep understanding of the importance of international cooperation in the face of global challenges. Their commitment to humanitarian aid is not only commendable but essential in our shared mission to alleviate hunger and malnutrition in Zimbabwe,” he said.
Government has been implementing various short term and long-term strategies to cushion communities against drought including food aid distribution, sinking of boreholes, establishment of irrigation schemes and community gardens, among others.
