Chronicle Editor
Nqobile Tshili, [email protected]
THE Chinese government has pledged to provide food aid to Zimbabwe among other regional countries that are facing an El Nino induced drought.
Due to El Nino weather conditions, the country received insignificant rains this year, a development that will result in most communities not harvesting anything.
As a result of the looming drought, President Mnangagwa earlier this month declared the farming season a State of Disaster and the Government requires US$2 billion for food aid to vulnerable households.
The Government has called upon local and international partners to chip in to support those who would be food insecure.
Zimbabwe is not the only country that is staring at a serious drought with Zambia and Malawi also declaring a state of disaster.
China is among the first countries to respond to the State of Disaster call and has pledged to provide food aid to Zimbabwe among other regional countries.
“China has been closely following the recent severe droughts and food shortages in southern Africa. We are collecting and preparing emergency food assistance to over 20 African countries such as Zimbabwe, Malawi and Zambia,” Chinese government foreign ministry spokesperson, Ms Mao Ning, said in a statement.
“We will seek to provide more food aid to the best of our capabilities in the future in light of the developments on the ground and the needs of relevant countries.”
She said this is part of the China-Africa relations, which also observe the importance of agriculture and food security.
-@nqotshili
Online Reporter