THE Chinese government has donated 1 500 tonnes of rice and 750 tonnes of wheat to meet the food needs of hungry Zimbabweans reeling from the effects of the El Nino drought.
The 2023/24 agricultural season was severely impacted by an El Niño-induced drought, characterised by below-average rainfall that devastated the sector, leaving over five million Zimbabweans in need of food aid.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared the drought a national disaster.
Chinese ambassador to Zimbabwe, Zhou Ding said the donation reflects strong partnership between the two nations in ensuring food security and poverty reduction.
“China and Zimbabwe are time-tested friends. As such, we stand ready to support our Zimbabwean brothers and sisters in their time of need,” he said during the handover ceremony at the Grain Marketing Board Aspindale depot in Harare yesterday.
“Over the past two decades, China has consistently provided food assistance to Zimbabwe, and we remain committed to helping the nation achieve food security and reduce poverty.”
Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare deputy minister Mercy Dinha expressed gratitude to the Chinese government and its people for the donation.
Dinha assured the public that the aid would reach the most vulnerable populations, including child-headed families, persons with disabilities and the elderly.
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“We will ensure this consignment reaches those in need, especially in hard-to-reach areas,” she said.
Zimbabwe has not been spared the harsh effects of climate change as seen in recurring droughts.
