Participants will receive monthly food allotments consisting of maize meal, pulses, and cooking oil for the duration of the work while the entire community benefits from the completed assets. Participants also receive training on insurance and financial inclusion and food processing and are linked to nearby markets.

Ms. Mendes praised the US government for supporting Zimbabwe’s vulnerable communities in combating the negative effects of climate change and economic shocks. She emphasized the importance of transformational activities in empowering communities to mitigate future food crises and reduce humanitarian needs. Since 2011, over 1.2 million people in 30 districts have benefitted from WFP-supported productive assets, including 400 small dams, 80 irrigation systems, and 60 solar-powered boreholes. The WFP has also helped establish 520 hectares of vegetable gardens.

According to the USAID acting mission director, Mr. Ramses Gauthier, the US government’s continued funding for the Food Assistance for Assets program illustrates its dedication to resolving food insecurity in Zimbabwe. He expressed satisfaction in collaborating with a competent, willing, and capable partner, the World Food Programme, to achieve this crucial objective.

Food insecurity has been a significant problem in Zimbabwe for many years, with a large portion of the population experiencing malnutrition and hunger. The situation has been exacerbated by various factors, including economic challenges such as high unemployment rates, a weak currency, and limited foreign investment. Climate change has also had a significant impact on the country’s agricultural sector, leading to reduced crop yields, soil degradation, and water scarcity. These factors have contributed to widespread food shortages, particularly in rural areas where the majority of the population is engaged in subsistence farming. 

More Pindula News