Zimbabwe's government has expanded its food aid program to reach six million food insecure citizens, with the aim of procuring nearly 300,000 tonnes of cereals to meet their needs until March 2025. The move comes in response to a severe food crisis caused by drought.
"Regarding maize imports by the government through the Grain Marketing Board, a total of 339,698 tonnes have been delivered out of the expected 300,000. The import of grain at the current importation rate will last till June 2025. Focus will now shift to the purchase of local wheat," Minister of Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services Dr. Jenfan Muswere said after a cabinet meeting on Wednesday.
Wheat harvesting has also started. While local production has been affected by the drought, seed sales for the coming season have increased by 45%, indicating optimism for a larger harvest with normal to above normal rainfall forecast, Dr. Jenfan Muswere pointed out.
The government is also implementing drought mitigation measures in the affected regions, including the establishment of district drought mitigation centers and emergency drilling programs.