The government of Zimbabwe and the World Food Programme (WFP) have signed a Letter of Understanding to formalise their collaboration on improving food systems and reforming the Social Protection System in Zimbabwe.

Development Diaries reports that the collaboration aims to bolster the country’s capacity to respond to emergencies and effectively foster investment in agricultural entrepreneurship.

It is understood that the government of Zimbabwe and WFP plan to utilise their expertise and resources to accelerate sustainable solutions to food security while consolidating Zimbabwe’s national social protection systems.

At least 49 percent of the Zimbabwe population lives in extreme poverty, resulting from the effects of climate change.

Zimbabwe’s food challenge was rated as ‘serious’ and the 13th worst internationally in the 2022 Global Hunger Index.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), in its Zimbabwe food security report, also noted that the country’s economy and food security situation remains fragile, as poor weather conditions, including erratic rainfall and long dry spells, have contributed to increased humanitarian needs across the country.

‘This Letter of Understanding is a way to strengthen the already ongoing work and to ensure that both government and WFP are accountable to the people they serve’, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Simon Masanga, said in a statement.

The collaboration also includes proactive support for rural and urban livelihoods by anticipating future needs, improving data collection and analysis, and strengthening livelihood opportunities.

WFP said it will also work with Zimbabwean authorities and civil society to plan, budget, and make decisions to achieve zero hunger in the country.

Photo source: Kate Holt/AusAID