Tinaye Agere
Theseus Shambare in BIKITA
COLLABORATIONS between the Government and development partners are vital in bringing relief to communities that have been affected by climate change and El Niño-induced drought in ensuring food security.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Masvingo Ezra Chadzamira made the remarks during the launch of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) US$31 million Lean Season Assistance and the Closeout for the Food Assistance for Assets projects at Chamanhokwe Garden in Bikita on Thursday.
“The El Niño-induced drought has negatively impacted our communities, threatening lives and livelihoods,” said Minister Chadzamira.
“As a Government, we recognize that no one entity can tackle such challenges alone. Partnerships like this one are vital in bringing immediate relief with long-term resilience.”
The project will be undertaken in Buhera, Guruve, Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe, Gokwe South and Zaka.
Each rural household will receive monthly in-kind food commodities consisting of cereal, pulses and vegetable oil.
“These short-term support programmes usually lay the foundation for long-term sustainability and such efforts will remain a testament to what can be achieved when humanitarian approaches and development intersect,” he said.
USAID Mission Director Janean Davis emphasized the importance of building resilient communities.
“Every project is part of USAID’s commitment to building stronger, healthier and more resilient communities,” she said.
The Lean Season Assistance project, which will run from December 2024 to March 2025, will provide unconditional food assistance to approximately 600 000 food-insecure Zimbabweans in five districts.
“The Food Assistance for Assets project is about more than just food, it is about building resilience and empowering communities to create lasting change,” said Davis.
The Lean Season Assistance project follows the Food Assistance for Assets project, which has already benefited 52 400 Zimbabweans in six districts with CARE International, World Food Programme (WFP) and Catholic Relief Services as implementing partners.
Under Food Assistance for Assets project, in exchange for monthly food baskets, participants in Mangwe, Gwanda, Zvishavane, Chiredzi, Kariba and Bikita districts would partake in community-based activities like the construction of small dams and nutrition gardens in exchange for food assistance.
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