Govt to scale up food distribution programme

Government has plans to scale up the food distribution programme in Manicaland as the number of food-insecure households have increased significantly as a result of a poor agricultural season coupled with the devastating effects of Cyclone Idai.

Manicaland experienced a prolonged dry spell at the beginning of the season, with areas like Buhera and parts of Chipinge receiving little to no rainfall.

The little yields that were expected from other districts were destroyed by the cyclone, leaving the province battling to ensure that its people were fed until next agricultural season.

Provincial administrator Mr Edgars Seenza recently said the Government food distribution programme was already being implemented in most areas, but the number of households receiving the food needed to be reviewed.

“The Government’s food distribution programme is on, but it is a question of the number of households who are being helped according to the level of food insecurity,” he said.

“There is a plan to scale up and even invite partners to assist.

“The Zimbabwe Vulnerability Assessment (ZimVAC) was carried out and we will be compiling the reports and the results will then inform the critical areas in terms of food security.”

Mr Seenza said the Government programme had stalled in Chimanimani as focus had been on cyclone response, adding that there were plans to resume.

“The programme will start again with the distributing of maize grain to food-insecure households because the cyclone food items cannot cover everyone,” said Mr Seenza.

He said Government, in partnership with World Food Programme, had prepared registers of beneficiaries who would continue receiving cyclone relief food items.

“Those who were identified through that assessment will then be assisted  through the cyclone relief programme while the other ones will be given food  assistance through other programmes,” said Mr Seenza.