Staff Reporter
The Government is working closely with local communities to identify food-insecure households that will benefit from its food deficit mitigation strategy and urban cash transfer program.
These initiatives, revealed after yesterday’s Cabinet briefing, are part of a broader effort to ensure that vulnerable citizens do not face starvation.
Addressing the media after the meeting, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr. Jenfan Muswere emphasized the Government’s commitment to combating food insecurity.
"The second phase of the grain distribution blitz has gained momentum as food-insecure people continue to receive their three-month supply of grain," Dr. Muswere said.
Dr. Muswere emphasized the program’s focus on reaching those most in need, highlighting the crucial role played by community leaders in the selection process.
“Our priority is to provide support to the most vulnerable members of our society. Community leaders are at the forefront of this effort, using their local knowledge to identify households that are struggling. Their involvement is essential to ensure fairness and transparency. We rely on them to make sure that the aid reaches the right people, leaving no one behind," Dr Muswere remarked.
In addition the minister highlighted the current statistics of food distribution.
“So far, 31,889.85 tonnes of grain have been distributed, with schools also beginning to collect supplies for the emergency school feeding program. We expect to distribute a total of 139,854.94 tonnes of grain from August to October.
“In urban areas, the Government’s cash-for-cereal initiative is in full swing, with beneficiary registration, data cleaning, and validation processes currently underway across all urban domains. NetOne, has been contracted to handle the payments, which are expected to start by the end of this week,” Dr Muswere noted.
Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare Minister July Moyo highlighted the scope of the program.
"The selection process was undertaken by our village heads, approximately 35,000 in total, using their community-based methods. We have validated these selections, but our goal is to ensure that no one is left behind," Minister Moyo explained.
Minister Moyo explained that while community involvement is crucial, there is also a data-driven approach to determining eligibility.
"The program’s urban component targets around 1.7 million Zimbabweans. There has been a scientific analysis of who in each urban area qualifies, and what percentage of the vulnerable population we should cater to. These percentages guide the selection process," Minister Moyo said.
With the cash transfers set to begin, the Government is optimistic that its comprehensive strategy, combining food distribution and financial support, will significantly mitigate the effects of food insecurity across both rural and urban areas.
