Food for work programme on cards as lean season beckons

THE Government is ready to roll out food for work programmes for non-disabled households during the lean season (December to March), as it moves to ensure that all citizens have enough food in the face of a 2023/24 season whose first half has been largely characterised by a drought.

In a document titled ‘Preliminary analysis of the El Niño phenomenon: 2023/24 Agricultural Season, the Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS) said Government was setting up strategies to ensure everyone had enough food at the time of need.

“Drought relief programmes such as food for work will be promoted to non-disabled communities and in worst cases, the importation of grain can be considered,” said ARDAS.

The document added that Government would go out of its way to assist everyone to be self-supporting. This comes as many farmers have eagerly embraced its Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme that allowed many households to move away from poverty through their own efforts.

It further revealed that Government was moving to support proper and safe storage of crops such as pulses (sugar beans, Bambara nuts, groundnuts) for later consumption through zonal shows and competitions.

Government is committed to ensuring that the nation maintained the food secure status attained because of its progressive policies and various practical interventions.

No one and no place should be left food insecure, added ARDAS.

“Although relief food is inevitably required during droughts, the cost of importing relief food can be reduced when grain stocks at national and household levels are adequately maintained for short term relief. In most instances, this has not been the case, as national stocks have often been low before droughts and, in some cases, affected by post-harvest losses,” ARDAS observed.

It further explained that even though it could be costly to maintain large carryover stocks, the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) would determine the appropriate size of grain reserves and review the monthly draw-downs to manage national stocks.

ARDAS reiterated the need to promote the adoption of technologies and practices that enhance safe post-harvest storage, handling, processing and packaging of crop and livestock products.