Online Reporter
Prosper Ndlovu in Mberengwa
GOVERNMENT, in collaboration with the World Food Programme (WFP), World Vision and the Japanese Embassy has launched a “Lean Season Food Assistance Programme” targeting 83 000 beneficiaries in Mberengwa District, Midlands Province, covering the period January to March 2026.
The solid partnership and a shared commitment to supporting communities during the lean season has come in handy for vulnerable food-insecure communities at a time when household food stocks are low, incomes stretched, with adverse impacts of the environment strongly felt.
The assistance is made possible through the generous support of the government of Japan, which contributed US$1.2 million to WFP’s lean season response in Zimbabwe last year with World Vision as the implementing partner.
“Through this contribution, and with the provision of Japanese rice, we can reach more than 83,000 people here in Mberengwa this year,” WFP deputy country director, Mr Billy Mwiinga, said in a speech to mark the official handover of the food hampers to beneficiaries at Zvomukonde area under Chief Matare’s in Mberengwa on Tuesday.
“This support will assist vulnerable households for a period of three months. Under this programme, WFP is providing a food basket that includes cereals such as maize and rice, pulses, and vegetable oil.
“This assistance is designed to address hunger, and support nutrition, health, and dignity for families as they navigate the lean season.”
The WFP official paid tribute to the Government and people of Japan for facilitating the assistance to vulnerable members of society.
“Thank you for standing with the people of Zimbabwe. Thank you for your continued solidarity during difficult times, and thank you for the trust you place in WFP to deliver this assistance efficiently, transparently, and at scale,” said Mr Mwiinga.
“Our work here would not be possible without close collaboration with the government of Zimbabwe. We work hand in hand with national and local authorities to ensure that assistance is well coordinated, well targeted, and aligned with national priorities.
“This strong partnership is essential to reaching vulnerable households and strengthening community systems.”
Mberengwa is one of four districts benefiting from WFP’s broader lean season assistance programme aimed at protecting lives, preserve livelihoods, and preventing families from resorting to negative coping strategies during periods of food insecurity.
“At the same time, we know that food assistance alone is not enough. Looking ahead, we must continue to invest in building strong and resilient communities. This means strengthening agriculture, improving access to inputs and knowledge, and supporting farmers to better withstand climate shocks,” said Mr Mwiinga.
“Today’s assistance helps families protect what they have planted and prepare for the next season. Together, through partnership and solidarity, we can help ensure that future harvests are stronger and more secure.”
Director of social development in the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Mr Totamirepi Tirivavi, Member of Parliament, Tasara Hungwe, district development coordinator, Mr Vafious Hlabathi, Chief Mataruse and senior World Vision officials attended the event.
