Theseus Shambare in CHIKOMBA
Over 2 000 food-insecure people from Chikomba District have received vital food assistance, a timely intervention following a devastating 2023-24 El Niño-induced drought.
At a distribution event on Thursday at Svinurai Secondary School in Chief Neshangwe’s area, Japanese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr Yamanaka Shinichi, emphasised the importance of collaboration in achieving food security.
“I extend my deepest gratitude to WFP and its partner, Caritas, in cooperation with the Government of Zimbabwe, for their tireless efforts and dedication in supporting vulnerable communities.
“Today, at this Food Distribution Point, about 2 687 vulnerable people will receive a food basket comprising maize grain, vegetable oil and pulses to alleviate food access shortages,” said Mr Shinichi.
The aid is part of a US$2,8 million pledge from the Japanese government to bolster food security and community resilience across Zimbabwe.
The food distribution, implemented by Caritas Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwean government in partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP), falls under the WFP’s Lean Season Assistance (LSA) programme, funded by Japan.
Registered beneficiaries receive a monthly food basket containing 8.5kg of grain, 1,7kg of pulses, and 600ml of cooking oil.
The initiative, running from January to March 2025, aims to support 57 892 people struggling with food shortages until the next harvest.
President Mnangagwa’s declaration of a State of Disaster last year highlighted the widespread need for food assistance, with official statistics indicating 6 million people in communal areas and 1,7 million in urban centers requiring support during the lean season.
WFP Deputy Country Director, Mr Billy Mwiinga, said the LSA programme is designed to bridge the gap during this challenging period.
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“The lean season is a particularly challenging time for many households in Chikomba.
“Families often deplete their food reserves before the next harvest, leaving them vulnerable to hunger and malnutrition. The LSA programme is designed to bridge that gap and ensure that people have access to nutritious food,” he said.
Chikomba District Development Coordinator (DDC), Mr Michael Mariga, confirmed the critical timing of the food distribution.
“Out of 30 wards in Chikomba, 18 are communal areas heavily affected by the 2023-24 El Niño-induced drought.
“These areas were in dire need of food to carry them through to the harvest time and this donation came at the right time,” said Mr Mariga.
Beneficiaries were identified through a rigorous verification process to ensure that the most vulnerable households were prioritised.
Over the three-month distribution period, a total of 1,875.7 tonnes of food commodities will be distributed, with 625,23 tonnes distributed each month.
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