Japanese Ambassador Satoshi Tanaka plants a tree in Mt Darwin.

Government has applauded development partners for their projects aimed at ensuring food security in the country which will contribute towards the attainment of the National Development Strategy 1.

Mashonaland Central Minister of State Monica Mavhunga applauded the partners at a ceremony held in Kanyoka area in Mt Darwin to celebrate the finalisation of a resilience building programme in Mount Darwin being spearheaded by the World Food Programme (WFP) and Japan.

The WFP Food Assistance for Assets Programme (FFA) and partners officially handed over a community garden, feeder roads, keyhole gardens, solar water pumps, fencing, and fuel-efficient stoves to the community.

The US$1.25 million contribution provided by Japan in March 2021 has empowered up to 2 200 vulnerable households (approximately 11,000 individuals) in Mt Darwin and Matobo districts to enhance their food and nutrition security and find community solutions to seasonal shocks.

Minister Mavhunga said food security was one of the major priorities of the NDS1.

“Food Security is one of the main priorities of National Development Strategy 1, and the contribution from the Government of Japan through WFP will assist in reaching this goal and making sure no one is left behind.

“The Government of Zimbabwe appreciates such partnerships since they seek to achieve the objectives of the strategy,” said Min Mavhunga.

Japanese Ambassador Satoshi Tanaka, said that climate change presented challenges as by successive droughts experienced in the last decade.

“This is why it is essential for communities like yours to become even more resilient. The new assets you have created will help you do this,” he said.

WFP deputy country director, Ms Christine Mendes said the organisation was working closely with partners to address vulnerabilities among rural communities.

“Japan has generously contributed US$ 5.8 million to the FFA programme since 2017. Together, we have been able to reach up to 12,800 households, approximately 64,000 people across the six districts of Chiredzi, Hwange, Mudzi, Rushinga, Matobo and Mt Darwin.

“This has helped to address both short and longer-term food insecurity among people impacted by consecutive years of drought and shocks like Covid-19,” she said.

Under the FFA, Kanyoka community has also received training on environmental management and improved harvest practices, thereby strengthening their skills and capacities for the future.