Story by Abigirl Tembo
Government’s food deficit mitigation strategy has become a source of hope to vulnerable communities in the face of the El Nino-induced drought.
In a small village in Mvuma, a widow’s quiet moment of grief reveals the depth of her loss.
Standing at her husband’s gravesite, Mrs Dorothy Ngara’s thoughts are consumed by the daunting task ahead – taking care of their 14 grandchildren alone.
The harsh realities of the El Nino-induced drought have been unkind, adding to her burden, yet in the midst of this desperation, a glimmer of hope emerges, through the government’s food deficit mitigation strategy.
“We did not harvest anything this year because of the drought. For us to have something to eat it’s all thanks to the government through the social welfare department we got a three-month consignment of maize which we are still eating up to this day. We did not have anything to eat until the government intervened,” she narrates.
Guided by the 2024 Zimbabwe Livelihoods Assessment, the government’s food deficit mitigation strategy is benefiting vulnerable households, including widows, orphans and the elderly.
“During the ZIMLAC process people were forthcoming with information pertaining to their livelihoods. They helped us with the information that we used to identify the vulnerable population in the district and it helped in planning with other stakeholders on interventions to be implemented.
“Many people are benefiting because most families did not get a good harvest so the food distribution programme helped to provide them with food. As the department of social development our role is to assess the vulnerable families and ensure they have food to avert any challenges that might arise as a result of hunger,” explains Chirumhanzu Social Development Officer, Mr Norest Manyozo.
The food aid programme has provided a lifeline while Mrs Ngara’s grandchildren are getting free education through the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM).
“If it wasn’t for the government we would be dead by now, imagine surviving on water alone. Because hunger is there and it’s real. Right now we are looking forward to another consignment. The government is really helping us and we are grateful especially us with large families.”
Speaking to ZBC News, Mvuma Ward 4 Councillor, Mr Willias Danga noted that Mrs Ngara is among the more than 52,000 people in Chirumanzu district getting food assistance from the government.
“I want to appreciate the government for coming to our rescue. We were told that no food should be distributed on partisan lines. Everyone should get food no matter which political party they belong to. We are now focusing on the development agenda and as leaders, we bring everyone together so that we find solutions that benefit everyone. This year, we didn’t get anyfood but the government made sure that people got food for the three months from May to July. We are now waiting for the second phase which is supposed to begin soon.”
As the drought persists, the government’s food deficit mitigation strategy remains a vital lifeline for vulnerable communities.
For Mrs Ngara and countless others, it has been a source of strength, a reminder that they are not alone in their struggles.
