Rushinga — The Government of Japan today announced a contribution of more than US$5,600,000 (¥460,000,000) to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to help people facing food shortages due to drought in Zimbabwe.
"This donation ensures that vulnerable families badly hit by last year's drought receive food assistance during this difficult time until the harvest in April," said WFP Country Director Felix Bamezon. The contribution allows WFP to purchase maize for 215,000 people and pulses for 835,000 people for two months.
It is estimated that 1.6 million people – one in five of the rural population – are currently unable to meet their food needs. Japan's contribution will be used for the Seasonal Targeted Assistance programme being jointly implemented by WFP and the Government of Zimbabwe in 37 rural districts. Through this initiative, more than 1.4 million people in need are receiving rations of cereals, cooking oil and mixed pulses.
"Japan is pleased to be helping to alleviate the suffering caused by food shortages," said Japan's Ambassador to Zimbabwe, H.E. Yonezo Fukuda, at today's handover ceremony in Rushinga.
The Minister of Labour and Social Services, the Honourable Paurina Mpariwa, was guest speaker at today's handover event at Katakura Food Distribution Point where some 850 people are benefitting from monthly food rations.
"This food assistance programme is working well because of the strong partnership behind it," said Mpariwa. "We are pleased with the close collaboration between the Government, WFP, partners and donors such as Japan."
During the past decade, Japan has contributed more than US$29 million to WFP's operations in Zimbabwe.
via United Nations World Food Programme (Rome)