Online Reporter
Theseus Shambare, [email protected]
ZIMBABWE has reaffirmed its resurgence as a regional food security anchor after the Government released 2 000 tonnes of grain to disaster-hit Mozambique and Malawi, signalling a renewed era of agricultural resilience and regional solidarity.
The move, authorised by President Mnangagwa, comes against the backdrop of widespread flooding in parts of Southern Africa that has displaced thousands of families, destroyed crops and disrupted livelihoods, particularly in low-lying communities along major river basins.
In a significant demonstration of confidence in the country’s food systems, Zimbabwe will dispatch 1 000 tonnes of grain to each of the two neighbouring countries, while an additional 90 tonnes have been set aside to support vulnerable households under local social protection programmes.
Once celebrated as the region’s breadbasket before the turn of the millennium, Zimbabwe’s ability to extend food assistance beyond its borders had waned during years of economic and climatic stress. However, sustained investment in agriculture, storage infrastructure and climate-smart production has in recent seasons translated into improved harvests and strengthened strategic grain reserves.
During an inspection of the truck-loading exercise at the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) Aspindale depot yesterday, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri said the grain release reflects the Government’s commitment to protecting lives both at home and across the region.
“As you know, there was a disaster in Mozambique and Malawi where many people were affected. President Mnangagwa authorised that we dispatch and assist the people in Malawi and Mozambique with 1 000 tonnes of grain each,” he said.
Prof Jiri said the assistance will not compromise national food security, noting that Zimbabwe holds strategic reserves totalling 187 204 tonnes, comprising 39 000 tonnes of maize, 118 000 tonnes of wheat and other grains.
“We are sitting on these stocks and dispatching 2 000 tonnes to the two countries,” he said.
The grain consignment follows earlier humanitarian support by Zimbabwe, which included the delivery of blankets, clothing, tents and medical supplies to communities affected by floods and storms in parts of the region, underscoring a consistent and coordinated response.
Civil Protection Unit (CPU) chief director Mr Nathan Nkomo said Zimbabwe’s disaster management architecture remains fully operational as the rainy season peaks.
Mr Nkomo highlighted the importance of regional reciprocity in times of crisis, recalling how neighbouring countries responded when Zimbabwe was struck by Cyclone Idai in 2019.
“All our structures at this level remain activated until the end of April. You remember when Cyclone Idai affected Zimbabwe, the South African Government also assisted us,” he said.
“It is only right that we support our neighbours, and I am happy the President approved the use of materials donated by private sector stakeholders for this purpose.”
The successful mobilisation of grain aid has been underpinned by improved storage and logistics capacity at the GMB, which has expanded infrastructure to cope with increased production.
GMB chief executive officer Dr Edson Badarai said the parastatal is now better positioned to manage grain inflows and dispatches efficiently.
“We have two silos that were commissioned and handed over by President Mnangagwa in Kwekwe and Mutare. Each silo has a capacity of 56 000 tonnes,” he said.
Dr Badarai said the acquisition of 22 new trucks and the establishment of 1 804 collection points nationwide had reduced transport costs and post-harvest losses.
