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In response to the dire effects of the El Nino-induced drought, the government has launched the distribution of food aid to severely affected regions, as announced by a Cabinet minister.
The decision to commence distribution came after the completion of comprehensive assessments, including the Household-based Village-co-ordinated Rapid Vulnerability Assessment and the Urban Food and Nutrition Council assessment, which revealed that nearly 60% of the population is in urgent need of food assistance.
Lands and Agriculture Minister Anxious Masuka disclosed during a post-Cabinet media briefing in Harare that the transportation of grain to mid rural areas has commenced. He outlined the process, detailing movements from surplus areas, managed by the Grain Marketing Board (GMB), to the targeted regions.
Amid inquiries regarding the government’s assertion of adequate grain reserves, Minister Masuka emphasized the accuracy of the statistics provided, highlighting the strategic grain reserve’s stockpile of 426,088 metric tonnes. He reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring food security for rural communities until March 2025.
To assess the full extent of the drought’s impact, Masuka mentioned the forthcoming 2nd Round of the Crops and Livestock Assessment Report, which would provide insights into the agricultural prospects for the 2023/24 season. Regarding current grain reserves, Masuka noted a total of approximately 744,270 tonnes, with plans for winter wheat production aimed at adding 600,000 metric tonnes to the reserves.
This surplus, along with existing stocks, will bolster the country’s food security efforts. With these measures in place, the government aims to mitigate the effects of the drought and ensure sufficient food supplies for affected populations in the foreseeable future.
