Story by Tichaona Kurewa
MORE than 90 000 people in Matabeleland North Province have benefited from Government food assistance under the Food Deficit Mitigation Programme, following erratic rainfall patterns that affected household food security.
Communities across the province have welcomed the intervention, which targets vulnerable households in districts hardest hit by poor agricultural yields.
According to the Department of Social Development, the latest Zimbabwe Livelihoods Assessment Committee report indicated that four districts, Binga District, Bubi District, Nkayi District and Umguza District, recorded food insecurity levels of 10 percent and above.
Following the findings, Cabinet directed that grain distribution be prioritised in districts with elevated food insecurity levels.
More than 2 000 tonnes of traditional grains have since been distributed across Matabeleland North over the past three months.
The intervention has benefited over 90 000 people, translating to more than 90 percent coverage within the first quarter of the year.
This news crew visited Manjolo Business Centre, one of the areas identified as food insecure and included in the programme.
“As a community in Binga, we are grateful for the food assistance. The traditional grains will help us feed our families during this difficult period.
“This programme has brought relief to many households. We were struggling, but the grain distribution has made a big difference.
“We appreciate the government for remembering us here in Binga. The support has reduced hunger, especially among children and the elderly.
“The food distribution came at the right time. It has helped us sustain our livelihoods, and we hope the programme continues,” beneficiaries said.
Meanwhile, another ZimLAC survey is slated for later this month to determine the latest extent of food deficits across the country as the rainfall season comes to an end.
