Online Reporter
Theseus Shambare recently in SHURUGWI
Over 2 000 people in Gundura, Shurugwi, received food aid last Thursday.The Gundura Food Distribution Point (FDP), serving 497 households, distributed aid to 2 037 individuals, thereby addressing the vulnerability of the community, which is ranked as the district’s fourth most food-insecure region by the District Drought Relief Committee (DDRC).
The region’s reliance on artisanal mining, casual labour and small-scale farming, supplemented by remittances, has been severely challenged by the impacts of the El Niño-induced drought.
The seven-member FDP Committee plays a vital role in ensuring the efficient and equitable distribution of food.Acting director of social development in the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Mr Totamirepi Tirivavi underscored Government’s responsive strategies and the importance of international support in mitigating hunger.
“From a Government perspective, we really want to appreciate the friends of Zimbabwe who have been assisting following the President’s call for both domestic and international assistance after the El Nino-induced drought.
“The government of South Korea has also come in with food aid.
“We are quite optimistic that our food situation will likely improve as the crop situation is promising,” said Mr Tirivavi.The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) Lean Season Assistance (LSA) programme, supported by the Republic of Korea, is providing essential food baskets containing cereals, pulses, and fortified vegetable oil to vulnerable populations in this district.
South Korea’s Envoy to Zimbabwe, Ambassador Park Jae Kyung, expressed his country’s commitment to supporting Zimbabwe’s efforts in building climate resilience.
“I hope our assistance will make the people happy during this period,” Ambassador Park said.He added: “We understand Midlands Province is one of the hardest hit by the El Nino-induced drought. We will continue on this path not only by providing food aid, but also through our agriculture programmes.
“We are launching the small grains production programmes, so the Embassy will come back to Midlands with more programmes.”
WFP Country Director and Representative, Ms Barbara Clemens highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving food security.
“Food security is about more than just putting food on the table. Through this programme and with Korea’s invaluable support, we are making a real difference of ensuring that food is available, nutritious and delivered in a way that provides stability for families.
“Our efforts today are part of a broader partnership with the Government of Zimbabwe, whose leadership in food security and social protection in commendable.
“Our collaboration with the Government ensures that WFP’s assistance aligns with national priorities, reinforcing Zimbabwe’s broader efforts towards building a happy and healthy nation.
“We also recognise the resilience of communities, your strengths, determination, and willingness to engage in solutions that improve livelihoods. As WFP, we remain committed to working hand in hand with the Government, donors and communities to break the cycle of hunger and create food security for all,” Ms Clemens said.
The programme is being implemented in partnership with the Government of Zimbabwe and the locally initiated Development Agency (LIP) under the Food Deficit Mitigation Strategy (FDMS), with funding from the Republic of Korea.
