Staff Reporter
Government has commenced the second phase of its grain distribution initiative, aimed at addressing widespread food insecurity caused by the 2023/24 El Nino induced drought.
This phase, part of the broader Food Deficit Mitigation Strategy, runs from August to October 2024 and is set to benefit over 6.2 million vulnerable individuals across the country.
Speaking at a post-Cabinet media briefing, in Harare today, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr. Jenfan Muswere emphasized the importance of this second phase, noting that it builds on the success of the first phase, which took place between May and July.
“The Grain Movement Command Centre has been instrumental in ensuring that food-insecure people received the assistance they desperately needed during the first phase,”
“The first phase of the program saw the distribution of over 63,000 tonnes of grain to 5,479,704 beneficiaries, achieving 89.2% of the targeted 6,140,924 individuals. As the second phase kicks off, the Government aims to reach an additional 6,215,775 people, ensuring that no one is left without support during this critical period,” said Dr. Muswere.
In addition, Dr. Muswere emphasized the ongoing commitment to reach even more people in need.
“Our focus is on scaling up our efforts to ensure that every person affected by the drought receives the necessary assistance. The challenges are great, but our resolve is greater. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that food insecurity is addressed comprehensively across the country,” he said.
Meanwhile, traditional leaders continue to play a vital role in the distribution process through the Zunde RaMambo/Isiphala Senkosi program. To date, chiefs have collected 3,397 tonnes of grain, which is being distributed to communities under the supervision of District Development Coordinators.
Dr. Muswere highlighted the importance of these traditional structures in reaching the most vulnerable.
“Our chiefs, headmen, and village heads have a deep understanding of their communities and are pivotal in identifying those who are most in need, including child-headed families, the elderly, and people with disabilities,” he said.
To support these initiatives, the Government has secured US$32 million through the Sovereign Insurance Fund. This funding, provided as compensation for crops destroyed, in 27 districts, by the El-Nino-induced drought will help sustain the grain distribution and other food security programs.
As the Government rolls out the second phase of grain distribution, the focus remains on ensuring that all affected individuals receive timely assistance.
