THE United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has amplified calls for engagement and collaboration among key stakeholders to combat the hunger that is currently being experienced in the country.
Zimbabwe has been reeling under the dire effects of the El Niño-induced drought that resulted in poor harvests, rendering over half of the country’s population food insecure.
This has, in turn, jolted several humanitarian organisations to put in place a cocktail of interventions in efforts to protect the fundamental right to food.
Speaking during the World Food Day celebrations at Tongogara Refugee Camp in Chipinge, WFP deputy country director Billy Mwiinga said collaborations and patnerships were integral to ensure food resilience.
“Food security goes beyond availability; it must include access, utilisation and stability. Nutrition is a core part of our work because a truly food-secure nation requires a well-nourished population,” Mwiinga said.
“In places like Tongogara refugee settlement, we are acutely aware of the needs of displaced people. Displacement often brings unique challenges and WFP is committed to ensuring access to nutritious food and essential resources for these communities.
“All of this work would not be possible without collaboration. Working closely with the government, communities and our dedicated partners, we are building a shared foundation for a better Zimbabwe.”
Mwiinga added that the WFP programme was committed to the goal of ensuring that sustainable food security starts with preparing for climate shocks.
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“We have prioritised anticipatory action. By providing drought-tolerant seeds, we enable farmers to grow crops that can survive in these harsh conditions.
“To address water scarcity, we have been drilling boreholes to provide reliable water sources that communities can depend on. We are also providing climate services to keep communities informed about weather patterns so that they can make timely decisions about planting and harvesting,” he said.
“Beyond preparation, we are also focused on building long-term resilience. Our food assistance for assets programme has been pivotal in empowering communities to restore and protect their natural resources. Conservation agriculture, which minimises soil disturbance and maximises crop cover, is another critical approach we support.
“Our work aligns with critical government initiatives such as the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme, which promotes conservation agriculture and aims to increase productivity.”
Agriculture ministry permanent secretary Obert Jiri reiterated the need for strong partnerships to ensure food security.
“As you may be all aware, food and nutrition security is multi-faceted. There is, therefore, need for a multi-sectoral approach for long-lasting solutions,” he said.
“Partnerships are, therefore, important in the different programmes and projects to end hunger.”
WFP and the government have embarked on a number of projects aimed at ending hunger in rural and urban set-ups.
