Story by Courage Bushe
OVER 1 700 food-insecure households in Mberengwa District have received targeted assistance under the Lean Season Food Assistance Programme, a joint initiative led by the World Food Programme (WFP) and funded by the Government of Japan.
The programme, implemented ahead of the upcoming harvest, aims to strengthen household food security and provide relief to vulnerable families during the critical lean months. In total, nearly 2 000 households in the district are benefiting from the intervention.
Beneficiaries welcomed the support, emphasising its timely impact.
“We want to thank the government and its development partners for coming up with this initiative because it aligns with Zimbabwe’s broader goal of reducing donor dependency through climate-resilient, sustainable agricultural development,” a beneficiary said.
The Japanese government has pledged US$1.2 million to bolster food security and community resilience across Zimbabwe, providing essentials such as rice to support vulnerable households.
“To the members of communities gathered here today, this support is for you. We hope it helps you bridge the lean months with dignity, protecting your children and keeping them in school, caring for the elderly, and avoiding harmful coping strategies,” Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Japan in Zimbabwe, Ms Yokotani Kaoru noted.
“Today’s assistance is made possible through the generous support of Japan. In 2025, Japan contributed US$1.2 million to WFP’s lean season response in Zimbabwe. Through this contribution and with the provision of Japanese rice, we can reach more than 83 000 people in Mberengwa this year,” WFP’s Deputy Country Director, Billy Mwiinga added.
Officials said the annual lean season intervention not only alleviates immediate hunger but also contributes to sustainable food security.
“Japan stands in solidarity with Zimbabwe, and through this partnership, we hope to alleviate immediate needs while contributing to long-term food security,” Director in the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Mr Totamirepi Tirivavi weighed in.
Local leaders hailed the intervention as a milestone in efforts to address food deficits ahead of the harvest.
“Today’s contribution is more than a handout; it is a hand extended in partnership, meeting immediate needs while building long-term resilience,” Mberengwa East constituency legislator, Honourable Tasara Hungwe said.
The annual intervention ensures that vulnerable communities have access to food during the critical months leading up to the harvesting period.
