Relief food distribution to target individuals
RELIEF food distribution will target vulnerable individuals instead of households.
Speaking at the National World Water Day commemorations at Zunde village business unit in Mt Darwin recently, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Dr Anxious Masuka said while the Government has been feeding about 2,7 million vulnerable people, now they will be targeting individuals directly to ensure that everyone who needs the food gets it.
An individual will get 7,5kg of grain a month among other supplementary feeding programmes.
“Starting next month we are no longer giving grain to households, but we are now giving to individuals. We are now giving to every individual at household level so that they get enough food. Headmen will be recording the names of individuals in each household. Each individual will be given 7,5kg every month. No one will die of hunger,” he said.
Dr Masuka also said from October the Government is planning to increase the monthly grain ration to 8,5kg a person to 31 March 2025.
The Government has started grain imports to guarantee food security.
A target of 10 000 village business units would be established by November 2024 to help ensure food security through the provision of fresh vegetables at village level. Cereal stocks now stand at 462 273 tonnes.
The Grain Marketing Board currently holds 145 604 tonnes of maize, 43 964 tonnes of traditional grains and 244 705 tonnes of wheat. Millers and other private sector companies have enough maize following the liberalisation of the marketing season last year.
Permanent Secretary for Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Mr Simon Masanga said assessments were being done to ensure that all food insecure people were assisted. Farmers have applauded the Government measures to eradicate hunger in vulnerable families.
Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union (ZCFU) president Dr Shadreck Makombe said eradicating hunger among the citizens is greatly appreciated, adding that the food relief will go a long way in addressing issues of hunger and poverty.
“We are glad that the Government is ensuring that no one will die of hunger. This is a great commitment towards its citizens because the majority did not have meaningful harvests because of El Nino this season,” he said.
Zimbabwe Indigenous Women Farmers Association Trust president, Mrs Depinah Nkomo said grain support is critical since not all places are food secure.
“This is a welcome development because the majority need support this season. This support is critical, especially during this time of the year considering the majority failed to harvest anything,’’ she said.
Already distribution of maize to vulnerable families is in full throttle countrywide.