Story by Grace Sibanda

Government has assured the nation of food security in the face of the Elnino-induced drought, with food distribution set to begin next month countrywide.

Zimbabwe is one of the most affected countries in the Southern Region by the Elnino-induced drought which has resulted in food insecurities at household level.

Government has, however, assured citizens of combined efforts with developmental partners to guarantee food security.

“As of today, the government holds 430 000 metric tonnes of maize and traditional grains. As government, we have adopted a winter wheat food security strategy that will ensure that we get maximum yields in our reserves and we are working closely with the private sector,” said the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr Anxious Masuka.

Dr Masuka outlined the scope of the government’s food distribution programme, which is set to begin next month.

“My ministry along with the Ministry of Social Welfare have concluded on the assessment of households in the country and we are glad to say we will begin rolling out the food distribution programme next month to ensure that no one goes hungry.”

The move comes after President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared this year’s summer cropping season a State of Disaster due to low rainfall caused by the Elnino phenomenon.