ZIMBABWE has received a US$1,36 million (¥200 000 000) from Japan to feed hungry communities amid a looming El Niño-induced drought.
The contribution given on Tuesday to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) will help to provide for critically food insecure nationals.
Japanese ambassador to Zimbabwe, Shinichi Yamanaka said the 1 304 tonnes of cereals, including Japanese rice, as well as pulses and vegetable oil donation would support food-insecure communities.
“Japan is committed to supporting communities in need of emergency food assistance. I hope that this assistance will help vulnerable people to overcome the current crisis,” he said.
Japan is a long-standing partner of WFP’s assistance to Zimbabwe.
Since 2019, Japan has contributed over US$25,5 million to WFP-supported food assistance and resilience building for vulnerable communities.
Through its lean season assistance, WFP complements the governments’ food deficit mitigation strategy to prevent hunger-related deaths.
Poor rains coupled with the harsh climate change effects have driven millions and across Africa into hunger.
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In Zimbabwe, food monitoring agencies say over two million citizens are food insecure. Government says no Zimbabwean will starve and will bridge the food deficit gap through imports.
Government has, however, been evasive about the available grain stock statistics.
“We appreciate the generosity of the government of Japan, as this donation will significantly contribute to our efforts in alleviating hunger and improving the lives of those most in need,” said Francesca Erdelmann, WFP’s representative and country director.
“The coming lean season could see more people requiring food assistance due to the impact of El Niño. Japan’s contribution will go a long way to ensure we can help communities.”
El Niño-related climate variability is one of the strongest drivers impacting agricultural production in southern Africa. It is usually characterised by above-average temperatures and below-normal rainfall during the November-April season.
Communities affected will have lower harvests and fewer livelihood opportunities, culminating in a severe and earlier 2024/25 lean season.
Fears abound that an El Niño-induced drought will strain the country’s already teetering economy, pushing up the cost of living and drive many citizens into poverty.
In its recent Zimbabwe economic review update, the World Bank predicted a slump in the economy in 2024.
