Japan, WFP signs US1.4 million food aid agreement

JAPAN and the World Food Programme (WFP) on Wednesday signed a US$1.4 million agreement that will see the United Nations agency distributing food aid funded by Tokyo to over 26 000 food insecure people across the country.
Speaking at the signing in ceremony, the Deputy Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Mercy Dinha paid tribute to the WFP and Japan for the assistance that is essential in the fight against hunger and malnutrition in the country.
“The support we receive today not only reflects Japan’s commitment to humanitarian assistance but also underscores the importance of international cooperation in tackling the challenges faced by our vulnerable populations. This generous contribution is in response to the Government of Zimbabwe’s appeal and that of the UN after Zimbabwean President Dr E. D. Mnangagwa declared a state of disaster in April 2024,” she said.
“As we all know, Zimbabwe has faced significant challenges in recent years, with various factors contributing to food insecurity,” she added.
She bemoaned the effects of climate change, illegal Western sanctions, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine which has affected access to affordable agricultural inputs, among other ongoing social challenges that has impacted Zimbabwe’s ability to ensure food security this year.
She said Government’s collaboration in the past with WFP has been instrumental in implementing effective food assistance programs.
Speaking at the same event, Japanese ambassador to Zimbabwe, Yamanaka Shinichi, expressed optimism that the food assistance will also help to further strengthen bilateral ties between Zimbabwe and his country.
He said over the past five years, Japan had provided food assistance to Zimbabwe through WFP amounting to US$10 million, supporting about 190,000 people, including during the COVID-19 emergency.
He said the latest agreement entered into with the WFP will provide the most vulnerable people with a basket of rations comprising cereals such as maize and rice produced in his country, vegetable oil, and pulses.
“The 2023/2024 production season, as you are aware, was marked by an unprecedented El Nino induced drought, the worst in 43 years. The production of maize, the main cereal, has fallen by about 70 percent compared to last year,” he said.
Last week, Shinichi said he also handed over approximately 6,000 Metric Tonnes of fertilizer to the people of Zimbabwe, which is expected to assist 100,000 small-scale farmers.
Speaking at the same occasion, WFP Zimbabwe deputy country director, Billy Mwiinga, said the El Niño-induced drought has significantly impacted agricultural production and livelihoods throughout the country, adding that between January and March this year, over 5.9 million people in rural Zimbabwe and 1.7 million in urban areas will experience food insecurity, necessitating immediate and coordinated action.
In response, Mwiinga said WFP, in collaboration with the Government of Zimbabwe, will implement the lean season assistance program (LSA), which will provide cereals, pulses, and vegetable oil to those in greatest need.
“This initiative complements the government’s Food Deficit Mitigation Strategy (FDMS), which has been instrumental in preventing household food stock depletion, minimising harmful coping mechanisms, and protecting the most vulnerable from further food insecurity,” he said.
He said the contribution by Japan of JPY 200,000,000, equivalent to US$1.4 million, follows that country’s previous donation of US$1.36 million earlier this year.
Mwiinga said such timely and critical additional funding from the Japanese government will allow them to provide nutritious food assistance to over 26,000 of the most food-insecure people.
“I would also like to thank the Government of Zimbabwe for their ongoing support and commitment to addressing food insecurity in the country. We support these efforts and commitment to ensuring no one is left behind during these difficult times.
“Together, and with the help of our partners, we are making a significant difference in the lives of many. But there is still a lot to do,” he said.
-New Ziana