BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI
A devastating food insecurity crisis has gripped Matabeleland North province, with a staggering 520 524 people struggling to access basic nutrition, according to Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube.
The region has borne the brunt of the severe El Nino effects, leaving a significant portion of the population vulnerable.
Minister Ncube revealed these alarming figures while presenting the mid-term budget, which focuses on addressing the far-reaching consequences of El Nino.
To combat this crisis, Ncube said the government has distributed 1 839.2 metric tonnes of grain, for Matabeleland North, which represents only 16% of the required 11 711.8 metric tonnes needed to sustain the population for three months.
The crisis has reportedly affected a staggering 7.7 million people nationwide, including six million in rural areas and 1.7 million in urban areas, who are projected to face food insecurity in 2024.
Minister Ncube outlined a two-pronged response strategy to address the grain shortage.
“Government (will be) importing 300 000 metric tonnes of grain for distribution to vulnerable members of society, while expecting the private sector to import at least 464 000 metric tonnes of grain for sale through normal market channels.”
Nationally, the grain importation plan for 2024 aims to address the shortfall of 765 000 metric tonnes.
The government, according to Ncube, has already imported 10,187 metric tonnes of grain, now stored in Grain Marketing Board (GMB) silos.
Furthermore, ZWL60.9 million has been allocated for grain distribution to 10 provinces, resulting in the distribution of 32 241.2 metric tonnes of grain to food-insecure households as of June 15.
Minister Ncube emphasized that the government’s efforts are being complemented by insurance risk premiums from the Africa Risk Capacity, estimated at US$31.8 million, and combined payouts from the government and development partners.
These funds will be distributed through cash transfers to the most affected districts.
Development partners such as the are also supporting food mitigation efforts in response to the declaration of a National State of Disaster.