Staff Reporter
The Government of Zimbabwe, in collaboration withUnited Nations agencies, carried out a joint food distribution in Buhera yesterday. The initiative targeted vulnerable communities severely impacted by the El Niño-induced drought, ensuring they receive vital food assistance.
The distribution event, organized by the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, alongside the World Food Programme (WFP), UNICEF Zimbabwe, UNFPA, and UN Zimbabwe, focused on providing food supplies, such as grains, pulses, and cooking oil to households struggling with food insecurity.
In an address at the distribution, Minister of Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare, Hon. Edgar Moyo, spoke on the importance of the intervention, noting that the El Niño-induced drought had left thousands of families facing severe food shortages.
“The Government of Zimbabwe, together with our partners, is committed to supporting the most vulnerable communities during this challenging time. Our collaboration with the WFP and other UN agencies will help alleviate the suffering of those who have been hardest hit by this drought,” Moyo said.
The event, which took place in Buhera’s rural areas, provided food to approximately 5,000 families. Local authorities, in partnership with UN representatives, assessed the impact of the ongoing crisis and closely monitored the distribution process to ensure fair and effective delivery of aid. Buhera, like many other areas in Zimbabwe, has faced significant crop losses due to the prolonged drought in the previous farming season, leaving communities grappling with hunger and malnutrition.
WFP Zimbabwe Country Director, Ms. Lily Orme, emphasized the importance of collaboration in addressing the widespread food insecurity in the region.
“The World Food Programme is proud to support the Government of Zimbabwe and local partners in this vital initiative. Our joint efforts will ensure that those most in need receive timely food assistance, helping to protect lives and livelihoods in this difficult period,” Orme stated.
UNICEF Zimbabwe’s representative, Mr. Robert Ndebele, also registered support for the distribution.
“Beyond food, we understand that children in these communities are suffering most from the lack of proper nutrition. This assistance will help mitigate the immediate impact of the drought on their health and well-being,” Ndebele explained.
Zimbabwe has committed to continuing its partnership with UN agencies to tackle the challenges posed by the drought, including long-term recovery programmes focused on restoring livelihoods and strengthening resilience against future climate shocks.
