The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) Zimbabwe, through its Chief of Communications, Yves Willemot, has projected that Zimbabwe could face its worst period of malnutrition between January and March 2025, coinciding with the depletion of household food stocks from previous harvests. In response, the Government, in collaboration with several partners including UNICEF, is implementing a series of programs to mitigate the impact of the El Nino-induced drought.
President Mnangagwa and the Second Republic are addressing the malnutrition threat through several initiatives. These include consistently running feeding schemes in schools since 2017 and declaring the El Nino-induced drought a State of Disaster to mobilize resources. The Government has redirected resources towards boosting national food security, implemented supplementary grain imports, and encouraged the private sector to participate in food security efforts. Additionally, surplus wheat has been allocated to the Strategic Grain Reserve, and measures have been taken to secure food for all Zimbabweans through competitive prices and prompt payment. A robust and responsive mechanism is in place to ensure food reaches needy communities.
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Book NowThe Government has prioritized winter cropping to boost reserves and reactivated winter maize projects in warmer regions as part of broadening the Strategic Grain Reserves. Food aid distribution to vulnerable communities has already begun, with plans underway to introduce the Urban Cash for Cereal Transfer Programme for vulnerable urban dwellers. As of 22 June 2024, a total of 46,494.52 metric tonnes of grain had been distributed, with beneficiaries receiving a three-month allocation. This distribution will continue until the next harvest to ensure no one dies of hunger.
Furthermore, the Government has supported various communities in establishing irrigation schemes to combat hunger. These schemes often produce surplus harvests, which are subsequently supplied to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB), further bolstering national food reserves. This multifaceted approach demonstrates the Government’s commitment to addressing the malnutrition threat and ensuring food security for all Zimbabweans.
