GOVERNMENT has managed to feed a paltry 9% of the country’s 2,7 million hungry citizens, it has emerged.
Speaking during post-Cabinet briefing, Information minister Jenfan Muswere said Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare minister July Moyo updated Cabinet on steps being taken to ensure that all food insecure people are assisted timeously.
“The nation is informed that the 2023 Zimbabwe Livelihoods Assessment Committee (ZimLAC) projects that 26% or 2 715 717 of the country’s population is food insecure during the period January to March 2024,” said Muswere.
He, however, further stated: “To date, a total of 2 722,46 metric tonnes of grain comprising 405 metric tonnes of traditional grains and 2 317,46 metric tonnes of maize has been distributed to 247 576 food insecure people, under the Food Deficit Mitigation Programme.”
He said Matabeleland North Province had the highest food insecure population, with 42% requiring assistance, while only 12% of the population will require food assistance in Mashonaland West province.
The food insecure population requires 100 482 tonnes of grain during the three-month period.
The registration of food insecure people and the distribution of grain has commenced in all areas across the country’s eight rural provinces, and is being led by the traditional leaders with the support of councillors and government officials.
The registration of beneficiaries and distribution of grain will continue during the El Nino-induced drought period.