US provides $600k assistance to Chimanimani farmers

The United States government has provided an additional $600 000 to assist approximately 1 700 smallholder farmers in Chimanimani District to recover and rebuild their lives following Cyclone Idai.

The money, which will spearhead the recovery efforts over the next 12 months, will be released by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through its local partner, LEAD Trust.

The programme will help smallholder farmers grow high value crops, cereals, and pulses, and improve nutrition and hygiene.

USAID will provide smallholder farmers with 138 000kg of locally-procured seed and 305 000kg of fertiliser.

US Ambassador Brian Nichols stated: “The United States continues to stand with the people of Zimbabwe.

“The funding towards recovery efforts from USAID will help communities in Chimanimani District rebuild their lives following the tragedy of Cyclone Idai. This contribution will help communities meet their short-and long-term food security needs and assist them on their journey to self-reliance.”

This latest intervention brings the US’s total contribution to Cyclone Idai relief efforts through USAID’s Office of Food for Peace and Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance, and brings the total US Government commitment to $3,2 million.

USAID is also continuing to support the immediate food needs of approximately 133 000 individuals in the most affected areas, providing 2 000 tonnes of sorghum, vegetable oil, and fortified cereals.

In addition, USAID supported a two -month programme that saw the provision of water, sanitation, hygiene, and shelter to 36 400 individuals in cyclone-affected areas of Manicaland Province.

The US Government is working in partnership with the Government, other donor governments, UN agencies, non-governmental organisations, local relief groups and others to provide timely emergency relief and disaster recovery to those that were affected by the cyclone.