Lean Season Assistance programme to assist 123 000 people in Chivi

A COLLABORATIVE food aid initiative involving the World Food Programme (WFP), Government of Zimbabwe and the Russian Federation has resulting in at least 1230 000 people in Chivi District benefiting from the Lean Season Assistance (LSA) Programme.

This comes as the 2024 El Niño climate pattern has had a devastating effect on Zimbabwe, causing crop failures, water shortages, and livestock deaths. The drought has created a humanitarian crisis in rural communities and left millions of people in need of emergency food support.

The handover ceremony took place last Thursday at the Mhandamabwe Vocational Training Centre.

Speaking at the event Russian Ambassaor to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Nikolai Krasilnikov said the donation consists of 559 tonnes of nutritious pulses and 164 tonnes of cooking oil enriched with vitamins A and D.

Food scheme to benefit 123 000 people in Chivi

“This donation by the Russian Federation amounts to US$2 million. This is a part of my Country’s contribution to the United Nations World Food Programme. It’s purpose is to assist the most vulnerable communities affected by El Niño-induced drought – the worst in four decades that hit the sub-region of South East Africa,” he said.

“We are well aware of the successful efforts that the Government of Zimbabwe has been taking to build up resilience of agriculture – the main sector of the country’s economy. At the same time, it is clear that the aftermath of a natural disaster of such a magnitude can be overcome only by urgent and collective actions at all levels – including the UN bodies, national governments and ordinary farmers,” he said.

Minister of Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare July Moyo, expressed gratitude to the Russian Government for its timely intervention through a speech delivered by Deputy Director of Family and Social Protection, Totamirepi Tirivavi.

“As we move forward with this invaluable support, the Government of Zimbabwe remains committed to working hand in hand with the World Food Programme to ensure that these resources are deployed effectively and reach those most in need. Our collaboration with the WFP has been marked by significant achievements in the past, and with this renewed support from Russia, we are confident that we can continue to make meaningful progress in our fight against food insecurity as well as malnutrition,” he said.

He said the generous contribution of oil and pulses from the Government of Russia to the World Food Programme would strengthen the government’s efforts to provide vital food assistance and improve the nutritional status of vulnerable communities, particularly here in Chivi District.

WFP country director Ms Barbra Clemens commended the Zimbabwean Government for its leadership in responding to the drought and addressing food insecurity.

She revealed that between now and March 2025, WFP aims to assist nearly 1 million people across Zimbabwe with food assistance.

“This demonstrates our shared commitment to addressing immediate needs, while laying the groundwork for recovery and resilience,” she stated.

Ms Clemens underscored the importance of strengthening resilience against future shocks, urging investments in climate-smart agriculture, enhanced social protection systems, and empowering communities to build sustainable livelihoods.

“To protect people against future shocks, we need to strengthen resilience at all levels,” she added.

The Lean Season Assistance Programme, supported by the Russian Federation, WFP and the Government of Zimbabwe, is expected to significantly impact Chivi District.