Online Reporter
Prosper Ndlovu in Mberengwa, [email protected]
JAPAN has vowed to continue working closely with Zimbabwe in strengthening food security, building community resilience to climate shocks and ensuring that the country achieves transformative targets aligned with Vision 2030.
Speaking at the official handover of World Food Programme (WFP) food commodities under the “Lean Season Assistance” initiative in Mberengwa District, Midlands Province yesterday, Japanese Deputy Head of Mission to Zimbabwe, Ms Yokotani Kaoru, said collaboration between the Government and development partners was critical in transforming livelihoods in the long term.
A total of 83 000 people are expected to benefit from the assistance between January and March this year, made possible by funding from the Japanese Government and delivered in collaboration with the WFP and World Vision, and in co-ordination with the Government of Zimbabwe.
“Japan will continue to stand with the Government of Zimbabwe to strengthen food security, build community resilience to climate shocks, and ensure that assistance reaches those who need it utmost,” said Ms Kaoru.
“The lean season is a difficult time. While we are experiencing better rains this season, likely to yield better harvest in parts of the country, heavy rainfall can also increase the risks of natural disaster, such as floods, which hit vulnerable people hardest,” she added.
Ms Kaoru noted that the assistance from Japan comes at a time when the Government has announced plans to distribute grain to the provinces to strengthen contingency stocks for disaster response.
She said the assistance from Japan demonstrates solidarity with the people of Zimbabwe, and long-standing friendship and partnership between the two countries, which marked 45 years anniversary last year.
“I would like to express our deep appreciation to WFP and World Vision for their tireless work and professionalism, and to the Government of Zimbabwe for its leadership in co-ordinating the national response to support communities and people,” she said.
This is not the first time Japan has provided this kind of assistance. Looking back on the past six-years – the period that includes the El Niño-induced drought of the 2023/2024 season and during the Covid-19 emergency — Japan, in co-operation with WFP, provided approximately US$11,4 million in food assistance, supporting about 216 000 people.
“Our support reflects Japan’s long-standing friendship with Zimbabwe and our broader co-operation with Africa through the Tokyo International Conference on African Development, Ticad, which has continued for more than 30 years since 1993,” said Ms Kaoru.
The 9th Ticad was held last year in Japan, with proactive participation of President Mnangagwa, under the theme of “Co-create innovative solutions with Africa”.
This demonstrates Japan’s continuous commitment to work with African partners, including Zimbabwe, said the Japanese official.
“In Zimbabwe, we will continue to work closely with the Government and the people of Zimbabwe, aligned with the National Development Strategy 2 towards the achievement of Vision 2030,” said Ms Kaoru.
“I believe that Japan’s partnership with Zimbabwe will help families become more self-reliant, healthy and vibrant.”
