GOVERNMENT MAKES PROGRESS IN FOOD DEFICIT MITIGATION EFFORTS

by | Dec 4, 2024 | Uncategorized | 0 comments

By Yvonne Mutambwa

Cabinet considered and noted the Report on the Food Deficit Mitigation Strategy, the Urban Cash Transfer Programme and the Movement of Grain as presented by the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare,  Honourable July Moyo.

“The 3rd Blitz in terms of Food Distribution commenced on the 1st of November, 2024, targeting 6.54 million beneficiaries starting with those who
had not received during the 2nd Blitz of Food Distribution,” said Minister Muswere.

Provinces Total Population to
benefit are as follows:

Manicaland: 1 223
732

Mashonaland Central: 762 290

Mashonaland East: 960 526

Mashonaland West: 867 642

Masvingo: 969 470

Matabeleland North: 524 713

Matabeleland South: 343 658

Midlands: 911 088

National: 6 563 119

“Under the Zunde RaMambo/Isiphala SeNkosi Programme, a cumulative total  of 4 362.51mt of grain has been collected by Chiefs across the country in
order to cater for the members of society. Under the Urban-Cash-for-Cereals Programme, 27 877 beneficiaries have been reached with cash
disbursements as at 25 October 2024,” added Minister Muswere.

The Emergency Schools Feeding Programme continues to be part of the Food  Distribution Programme, as learners are having their hot meals on a daily
basis.

In addition, as at 10 November, 2024, a cumulative total of 19 091.28mt mealie meal/maize grain had been collected under this Programme.

The Food Deficit Mitigation Programme is a strategy that was adapted by Cabinet as part of the larger Drought Relief Management Programme to assist vulnerable households that include older persons, persons with disabilities, and the chronically ill and orphaned children with food hand-outs to mitigate the impact of drought.