US to feed half a million Zimbabweans till October

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has pledged to continue providing food aid for another six months to nearly half a million Zimbabweans after providing an extra $20 million to help ease hunger in twelve of the country’s districts hit by the worst drought in a generation.

The USAID Mission Director in Harare, Stephanie Funk, reaffirmed her country’s commitment to continue cooperating with World Food Programme to meet the humanitarian needs of vulnerable Zimbabweans.

“USAID is proud to support the World Food Programme to help vulnerable Zimbabweans cope through this difficult drought,” said Stephanie Funk.

“This programme addresses immediate food security needs while gradually helping vulnerable communities build resilience to climatic shocks and eliminating the need for food assistance in the long-term.”

According to the Zimbabwe Vulnerability Assessment Committee, an estimated 1.5 million rural Zimbabweans are now faced with food insecurity since the beginning of this year.

#ICYMI #Zimbabwe declared #drought disaster: https://t.co/H6NRIS6hzN. USAID gave add'l $10m this yr toward response https://t.co/zEhEk8Fwg9

— USAID/Food for Peace (USAIDFFP) March 20, 2016

Once regarded as southern Africa’s breadbasket, Zimbabwe has experienced erratic rains over the years forcing grain imports from neighboring countries for the sustenance of its populace.

Reuters