Gibson Mhaka
CABINET has considered a report on the Food Deficit Mitigation Strategy and Urban Cash Transfer Programme as the initial three-month distribution phase, launched in May 2024, is coming to an end this month.
The report was presented by the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr Anxious Masuka.
In his post-Cabinet briefing on Tuesday afternoon, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere said modalities for the second phase, scheduled for August to October 2024 were underway.
“Cabinet considered a report on the Food Deficit Mitigation Strategy and Urban Cash Transfer Programme as presented by the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Honourable Dr. Anxious Masuka.
“The first three months’ distribution blitz which started in May 2024 is coming to an end this month, July 2024. Accordingly, modalities for the second phase, August to October 2024 are being worked out.
“These include the grain movement plan, urban cash distribution plan, and mobilisation of more financial resources for the three months’ distribution. As at 2 July 2024, a cumulative 62 796.84 metric tonnes of grain had been distributed to vulnerable and food insecure people across the country’s provinces as follows: Manicaland, 9 050.20 metric tonnes, Mashonaland Central, 7 844.61 metric tonnes, Mashonaland East, 6 207.03 metric tonnes, Mashonaland West, 7 919.99 metric tonnes, Masvingo, 12 246.18 metric tonnes, Matabeleland North, 4 248.39 metric tonnes, Matabeleland South, 5 201.15 metric tonnes; and Midlands, 10 104.95 metric tonnes,” said Dr Muswere.
Minister Muswere said that a total of 3 397.33 metric tonnes of grain have been collected to date by Chiefs across all provinces under the Zunde RaMambo/Isiphala Senkosi Strategic Grain Reserve Distribution Programme.”
Additionally, District Development Coordinators in the provinces will coordinate all activities for the upcoming Public Works Programme.



