Food aid programme extended beyond March

Source: Food aid programme extended beyond March | The Sunday Mail

Theseus Shambare

THE Food Deficit Mitigation Programme (FDMP) has been extended beyond the traditional March 31 cut-off date to ensure the Government continues to provide food aid to vulnerable households until farmers harvest their summer crops.

The FDMP is a Government-funded aid programme that provides food assistance to vulnerable households during the lean season — a period when food supplies are low for most rural households.

It typically runs from January to March, before harvesting of the summer crops begins.

During this time, households often experience food scarcity, leading to increased vulnerability, particularly in agricultural communities.

The extension comes at a time when farmers are optimistic about a promising harvest this season.

Currently, 65 percent of Zimbabwe’s maize crop is in its early reproductive stage due to delayed rains that shifted the planting window from December to mid-January in some regions.

In an interview with The Sunday Mail, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Dr Anxious Masuka said: “After updating the Cabinet on the situation in the country in relation to the crops and livestock performance, we have since agreed to extend the Food Deficit Mitigation Programme beyond the traditional cut-off date of March 31.

“While the crops are looking good and promising a bumper harvest, most crops will not be harvested before March 31.

“The food will now be distributed up until farmers have harvested their crops and ensure no one will go hungry due to withdrawal of food aid. The idea is to ensure the country is food-secure.”

Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Edgar Moyo said food aid distribution was being undertaken in phases, with the fourth one underway.

“During the first blitz (May to July 2024), we reached 5,5 million people; in the second blitz (August to October 2024), we reached 4,5 million; and in the third blitz (November 2024 to January 31, 2025), we reached four million food-insecure people,” he said.

“In total, over 315 000 tonnes of food have been distributed across all eight rural provinces since May 2024.”

To ensure transparency and prevention of corruption, Minister Moyo said stringent measures to safeguard the food aid were in place.

“We implement checks and balances to minimise corruption and resource diversion,” he said. “We work through respective drought relief committees, and grain is withdrawn in the presence of the police.

“The grain is also accompanied by police from the GMB (Grain Marketing Board) depots to the respective food distribution points.”

Acting director for social development Mr Totamirepi Tirivavi praised the Government’s collaborative efforts with development partners under the food distribution programme.

“We appreciate the friends of Zimbabwe who have been assisting following the President’s call for both domestic and international assistance after the El Niño-induced drought,” said Mr Tirivavi.

“We appreciate the friends of Zimbabwe who have responded to the El Niño-induced drought.”

World Food Programme (WFP) country director and representative Ms Barbara Clemens echoed the importance of collaboration.“Our collaboration with the Government ensures the UNWFP’s assistance aligns with national priorities, reinforcing Zimbabwe’s broader efforts towards building a happy and healthy nation,” she said.