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Debra Matabvu and Prince Maphosa
THE Government has purchased 20 000 metric tonnes of maize from Tanzania and is in active discussions with other countries in the region, particularly Zambia, as it moves to procure more than one million metric tonnes, it has been learnt.
Government says it has enough stocks to supply the local market in the interim as it currently holds 500 000 metric tonnes in the strategic grain reserve, which are over and above the 560 000 metric tonnes that have been delivered by farmers to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) during the recent marketing season.
The country needs 1,8 million metric tonnes of grain per year. Deputy Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) Mr Justin Mupamhanga said Government was now working on logistics to bring the maize from Tanzania.
“We have secured 20 000 tonnes of maize from Tanzania and we are now working on logistics on how to bring the maize into the country. This is the first batch of maize, and we are working on acquiring up to 1 million metric tonnes of maize. We have started engaging other countries in the region; and for now, Zambia is considering supplying us with maize. Acquiring maize is a long process; however, we are working on it as a matter urgency.”
Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Dr Sekai Nzenza told our Harare Bureau that the grain importation committee was working on processes to ensure that grain was purchased at a reasonable price.
“The grain importation committee, chaired by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Dr Sibusiso Moyo, is working on the price and modalities. However, we currently have enough maize and small grain,” said Dr Nzenza.
“We reviewed the Zimbabwe Vulnerability Assessment Committee (ZimVAC) Report (a fortnight ago) during the food security and nutrition committee meeting, which is chaired by the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, (Water, Climate) and Rural Resettlement, Air Marshall Perrance Shiri, and we were mapping a way forward for the most vulnerable areas,” she said.
The ZimVAC report, released in June this year, estimates that rural food insecurity will surpass 50 percent by March 2020. Matabeleland North, Midlands and Masvingo are projected to have the highest number of food-insecure households during that period. Binga and Chivi will be the most vulnerable districts.
At 49 percent, Matabeleland South is projected to have the least proportion of food-insecure households.
In a ministerial statement to Parliament recently, Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Minister July Moyo said grain imports were a priority.
“Due to the inter-linkages of the economy’s various sectors, the disaster is anticipated to affect a wide range of sectors, including the industry and energy sectors. However, the most affected sectors are food and nutrition, agriculture, water, education, health, wildlife, environment, energy and gender, among others.”
President Mnangagwa has declared the 2018-19 El Nino-induced drought a State of National Disaster, which has paved way for the launch of the Revised Zimbabwe Humanitarian Appeal by Government and the United Nations.
Between now and April next year, over US$331 million is required to feed an estimated 5,5 million people.
Since the launch of the programme, the World Food Programme (WFP) and its development partners have raised US$100 million towards the cause. Treasury has also set aside $624 million for grain imports.
Meanwhile, more than 800 000 people in the Midlands Province will be facing acute food shortages by December, a survey has revealed. Addressing Midlands Provincial Co-ordinating Committee in Gweru yesterday, Provincial Development Co-ordinator, Mr Abiot Marongwe said a survey recently carried out by Government showed that 800 000 people in the province will be food insecure by December.
Mr Marongwe said Gokwe North, South, Zvishavane and Mberengwa were the most affected districts in the province. He said the Government was stepping up food relief programme to ensure that there will be food security at household level.
Online Reporter