Govt to reintroduce food for work scheme

Government has completed a document which outlines modalities on the implementation of a Food for Work programme, with a Cabinet minister calling for the prioritisation of productive activities largely aimed at achieving food security.

In face of the worst drought in close to two decades, Government is re-introducing public work programmes that will see food being provided to beneficiaries in exchange for their labour.

But only those with capacity to do the prescribed work will participate.

Those who are unable to work will receive food aid under Government drought relief programme.

Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Deputy Minister Cde Lovemore Matuke said Government had finalised the document which has already been sent to all the country’s provinces.

Addressing a Zanu-PF meeting in Masvingo over the weekend, Deputy Minister Matuke said the programme should be designed in a manner that promoted productivity, particularly irrigation, to ensure the country is self-sufficient in terms of food requirements.

“We need projects which have significant social economic impact,” said Deputy Minister Matuke.

“We need our people to provide labour on projects such as irrigation schemes, projects that help the country achieve food security rather than working on projects that have little or no impact on the economy. They should be well designed to ensure the objectives of Vision 2030 are achieved.”

Deputy Minister Matuke said while Government had put in place some measures and resources to alleviate food shortages in light of the El-Nino induced drought, efforts must be equally put in place to harness domestic resources to build self-food sufficiency.

He said the country was spending a lot on money on grain imports when such resources could be used to revive irrigation schemes.

President Mnangagwa has always been calling for revival of irrigation farming to mitigate effects of climate change.

He is on record saying challenges related to unpredictable rainfall patterns due to climate change demanded that the country invest in irrigation schemes and maximise on the use of existing facilities.