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Ivan Zhakata and Remember Deketeke
THE Government and the World Food Programme (WFP) have received US$1.4 million from Japan as part of its commitment to fighting the El Nino-induced drought.
The money is expected to benefit 26 000 people from vulnerable communities nationwide who will receive food aid from WFP.
Speaking during the signing ceremony in Harare yesterday, Deputy Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Mercy Dinha said the contribution of US$1.4 million from Japan to the WFP bolsters the lean food assistance programme for communities in need.
“This partnership between the WFP and Japan exemplifies the spirit of solidarity and collaboration that is essential in our fight against hunger and malnutrition,” she said.
“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 President Mnangagwa declared a state of disaster in April 2024.
“It is in times like these that our partnerships become even more vital. The contribution from Japan will enable the WFP to enhance its operations and reach more households struggling to put food on the table.”
Deputy Minister Dinha reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to work hand-in-hand with the WFP.
“Our collaboration has been instrumental in implementing effective food assistance programmes, and we are grateful for the proactive approach that WFP has taken in addressing the needs of our communities. Together, we have made strides in providing life-saving support, but there is still much work to be done,” she said.
“The resources provided by Japan will not only facilitate immediate food assistance but will also support longer-term initiatives aimed at building resilience among vulnerable populations. This aligns perfectly with our national vision of empowering communities to become self-sufficient, reducing their reliance on external aid in the future, and attaining an upper middle-income status by 2030.”
Ambassador of Japan to Zimbabwe Shinichi Yamanaka applauded Government and WFP for their tireless efforts and dedication to supporting vulnerable communities and people.
“Over the past five years, we have provided food assistance through WFP amounting to US$10 million supporting about 190 000 people, including during the Covid-19 emergency,” he said.
“The project signed today aims to deliver food assistance to around 26 000 vulnerable people, with funding totalling approximately US$1.4 million. It will provide the most vulnerable people with a basket of rations comprising cereals such as maize and rice produced in Japan, vegetable oil and pulses, to alleviate food access shortages.
“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.”
Ambassador Yamanaka said Japan was concerned about the food insecurity situation in Zimbabwe and they hope that the food assistance will help vulnerable people to overcome the current crisis.
“We will continue our support to allow all Zimbabweans to meet their food security needs. I hope that the food assistance will also help to further strengthen bilateral ties between our countries.”
WPF deputy country director Mr Billy Mwiinga thanked Government for its 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,” he said.
“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. We must continue collaborating, innovating and strengthening our efforts to increase resilience and ensure a food-secure future for all.
“I would like to once again express our heartfelt gratitude to the government of Japan for its assistance and to the government of Zimbabwe for its ongoing collaboration. Let us move forward with renewed determination to help those in need and create a brighter, more resilient future.”
Online Reporter