The Zimbabwean government is ramping up food aid distribution to address the needs of those affected by food insecurity due to the El Niño-driven drought, a Cabinet minister announced on Tuesday.
Jenfan Muswere, Minister of Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services, shared during a post-Cabinet briefing that the Grain Movement Command Center has been actively ensuring aid reaches those in need.
From May to July, the government managed to provide food aid to 89.2 percent of the targeted population and is now starting a new three-month phase to help even more individuals.
Muswere noted, “The Cabinet reports that the second phase of the grain distribution initiative is underway, with 6,215,775 beneficiaries set to receive assistance from August 6 through October 31.”
In April, President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared a state of disaster due to the drought, which has slashed cereal production by 77 percent and left 60 percent of the population food insecure. The government has also launched an international appeal for $3.3 billion to tackle the crisis.
