As Zimbabwe continues to face the impacts of El Niño, humanitarian organisations are partnering with the government to deliver critical food assistance to vulnerable communities, particularly in rural areas.
In Matobo, Matabeleland South Province, Hope for a Child in Christ (HOCIC), in collaboration with Start Network and Oxfam in Zimbabwe, launched the African Risk Capacity Replica project which aims to support 20 485 individuals across six wards by providing a social protection safety net to mitigate El Niño’s adverse effects.
HOCIC project officer, Persistence Mukwena, stated the project began in October and will conclude in December.
Beneficiaries receive 10 kg of mealie meal, 750 ml of cooking oil, and 1.5 kg of sugar beans.
“In response to the devastating effects of El Nino, HOCIC has been working tirelessly to distribute lifesaving food baskets to vulnerable households in Matobo,” said Mukwena.
“HOCIC works in collaboration with the District Drought Relief Committee and all field activities are conducted together with the Department of Social Development, District Development Coordinator and Security. Our partner, Start Network is also funding other partners in 3 districts in Matebeleland South in Gwanda, Insiza and Beitbridge.”
The work being done by HOCIC compliments the efforts being made by the government to ensure food security in vulnerable areas.
The latest update according to the latest post-cabinet briefing held on Tuesday highlighted that the government has since started the third Blitz of the food distribution program across eight provinces in the country, targeting over six million people.
Matabeleland South will have 343 658 beneficiaries while Matabeleland North will have 524 713.
