The World Food Programme (WFP) has said it would only provide food aid to 20% of Zimbabwe’s 3.8 million hunger-stricken population.
Zimbabwe is among 20 countries deemed to be hunger hotspots following drought-induced poor harvests in the 2021-22 farming season.
The WFP says at the peak of the lean season, some families might be forced to skip meals, while others will have to sell livestock or other possessions to buy food. Said WFP in a statement:
While USAid Zimbabwe is supporting the lean season response, it has also pledged an additional US$9 million towards WFP’s food assistance for assets programme in 2023,” WFP said in a statement.
We will provide life-saving food in exchange for work on community assets like community gardens and dams. At the peak of the lean season, 3,8 million Zimbabweans will be food insecure. Climate change is one of the factors contributing to food insecurity. In order to get food, many will have to sell their livestock. While others will have to skip meals, this has negative effects on young children. Through the support from USAid, WFP will reach about 20% of those affected. Assistance will reduce the risk of further sliding into food insecurity.
The WFP statement comes as United States Agency for International Development (USAID) warned against the politicisation of food aid, according to NewsDay.
USAID which has so far donated US$36 million worth of food to vulnerable rural communities said it would assist the WFP to provide assistance to about 700 000 people in eight districts that include Bikita, Buhera, Chivi, Hwedza, Mangwe, Mt Darwin, Mudzi and Nkayi.
USAID director for humanitarian assistance and resilience, Marialice Ariens said they would work closely with the government to ensure that food reaches underprivileged people.
Last week, Cabinet said grain stocks at the Grain Marketing Board would last for 11 months.