By Staff Writer
DESPITE hunger alerts and donor response to alleviate the impending crisis, the Zimbabwe government ministries continue to give contradicting positions on on the food security situation in the country..
The director of Social Development, Tawanda Zimhunga in the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare recently told a stakeholder sensitisation meeting for the 2023/2024 lean season assistance under the Food Deficit Mitigation Strategy program that aout 2,7 million people are going to be in need of food assistance during the peak hunger period between January and March 2024.
“Provinces with the highest food insecurity levels are Matabeleland North 42 percent down from 58 percent from the previous year, Mashonaland Central 31 percent and Masvingo province 30 percent,” he said.
However, a recent cereal outlook report from the Lands and Agriculture Ministry indicated that some provinces have surpluses which can last them for more than 12 months.
“Provinces with surpluses are Mashonaland est with 176 759 tonnes ,Mashonaland East 87 690 tonnes,Mashonaland Central 86 561 tonnes and Midlands 83 826 tonnes.In Mashonaland West, districts of Makonde and Zvimba have enough grain that will last for 12 months
“In Mashonaland East ,Chikomba Hwedza and Murehwa have also enough grain that will last for 12 months and Chirumanzu in Midlands have also enough grain,” the report said.
The report also surprisingly lists Mashonaland Central as a surplus holding province despite the area being listed as vulnerable by the Public Service Ministry.
“here are , however, wide variations in each district , with those households that produced traditional grains being more food secure,” the Lands and Agriculture Ministry said.
The report indicated that the market demand for grain is rising in areas experiencing deficits , while at the same time there is a growing trend of panic purchases of essential grain by certain households nationwide.
Maize Meal has emerged as the primary cereal bought by impoverished households in many regions, with prices experiencing a surge of 20 tp 50 in US$ over the same time frame.The availability of maize meal in certain markets is decreasing due to rising demand,” said the Ministry.
