The government of Zimbabwe has secured $36.7 million from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for the implementation of a food project in eight districts.
Development Diaries understands that the Southern African country secured the funds through the World Food Programme (WFP).
The Zimbabwean government recently sought support from humanitarian organisations due to a recent prediction that close to four million people from the country’s rural population will be food insecure between January and March 2023.
SDG Goal Two: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture
According to data from WFP, more than 7.7 million Zimbabweans were estimated to face food insecurity at the peak of the lean season in 2020 due to poor rains and erratic weather patterns, resulting in a negative impact on crop harvests and livelihood prospects.
The United States Mission Chargé d’Affaires, Elaine French, said the donation will support about 700,000 people in Buhera, Hwedza, Mudzi, Bikita, Chivi, Nkayi, Mangwe, and Mt. Darwin for the next six months.
‘Achieving food security during Zimbabwe’s lean season is always challenging. Geopolitical events on the other side of the world have made it even more so this year. But the United States of America is ready to assist’, New Zimbabwe quoted him as saying.
He added, ‘Today, I am happy to announce U.S.$36.7 million for 2022/23 lean season assistance funding provided by the U.S. government for the people of Zimbabwe’.
The U.S. government has also pledged an additional U.S.$9 million towards the food assistance for assets programme in 2023.
The WFP Head of Programme, Roberto Borlini, also said they are committed to support humanitarian and social assistance for those who need it most in Zimbabwe.
Zimbabweans in rural areas often reduce the number of quality meals they consume per day in order to cope during the lean season.
Photo Source: WFP
