THE United States Agency for International Development (USAid) has given CARE Zimbabwe a US$3 million grant to support 25 000 people in Bikita district, Masvingo province, from June to November in response to the El Niño-induced drought.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared the El Niño-induced drought a state of national disaster, and appealed for US$3 billion in humanitarian assistance to feed nine million people that are in need of food aid.
The United Nations has also sent a flash appeal for a further US$429 million in food aid.
CARE Zimbabwe will implement the grant through the Tayambuka Project. Tayambuka is the Shona word for the expression “we have prevailed over”.
The project will target 10 wards in Bikita district to strengthen the resilience of 25 000 people.
“The project takes a multifaceted approach to tackle these challenges. It combines in-kind food assistance with the implementation of food for assets (FFA) programmes,” Care Zimbabwe country director Patrick Sikana said.
“FFA focuses on strengthening community physical and natural assets to enhance resilience and reduce vulnerability to future shocks and stresses.
“Tayambuka will address the gaps in food consumption in 5 000 vulnerable households, each with an average of five members.”
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Each household will receive six months worth of in-kind food assistance comprising 50kg of sorghum cereal, 10kg of Pinto beans, and 3,75kg of vegetable oil.
These quantities are specifically designed to meet 75% of the average daily calorie requirement of 2 100 for each household member, Sikana said.
CARE will also conduct FFA initiatives.
CARE Zimbabwe’s investment in adaptation and strengthening of community resilience is also helping to protect livelihood gains and combat climate change.
