US govt avails US$37m to Zim

LIVINGSTONE MARUFU

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has availed US$36.7m to Zimbabwe, which will go towards supporting  more than 700 000  food insecure people in  eight districts.

The lean season assistance  will be distributed   by the United Nations World Food Programme’s (WFP) in Buhera, Hwedza, Mudzi, Bikita, Chivi, Nkayi, Mangwe and Mount Darwin districts.

“Achieving food security during Zimbabwe’s lean season is always challenging. Geopolitical events on the side of the world have made it even more so this year.

“But the United States of America is ready to assist. Today, I am  happy to announce US$36.7m for the 2022/2023 Lean Season Assistance funding provided by the US government, for the people of Zimbabwe, ” U.S Mission Charge’ d Affaires,  Elaine French said.

The Zimbabwe Vulnerability  Assessment  Committee (ZimVAC) report that is coordinated by Food and Nutrition Council  show 3.8m people  will be food insecure during the peak of the upcoming lean season between October and March next year.

With  the contributions from  USAID  and other donors, WFP  will compliment  the national Food Deficit Mitigation Programme and distribute in partnership with ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare to the 3.8m people.

USAID  and WFP believe more investments are needed to build resilience and  early warning systems so as to break  the cycle of relapsing into food crisis.

The US government has also  pledged an additional US$9m towards the food assistance for  assets programme in 2023.

WFP will provide lifesaving food in exchange for work on community assets  like feeder roads, community gardens, dams and irrigation system under this initiative.

The community-centred approach also promotes nutrition, gender equality and social protection.

“WFP and the US are committed  to support humanitarian and social assistance  for those who need it most in Zimbabwe,” WFP head of programme in Zimbabwe Roberto Borlini said.

He added: ” While we provide short term  assistance during this lean season, we will also continue to create livelihood to increase the purchasing power of families  and enabling them to meet their food needs.”

This funding brings the total 2022 USAID funding to WFP activities to US$44.2m.

USA remains the largest bilateral donor of emergency humanitarian assistance in Zimbabwe.