Government and UN Launch Drought Relief Efforts Amid Claims of Partisan Food Distribution
The Zimbabwe Government and the United Nations have launched a joint effort to provide drought relief to over 3 million food insecure people, following the declaration of a State of Disaster due to the El Nino-induced drought. The humanitarian aid, amounting to US$429,3 million, will be distributed through established Government structures, including the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare and the Zimbabwe Vulnerability Assessment Committee (ZimVac).
Despite these efforts, the Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP), an anti-government civic society organisation, has made claims of partisan food distribution. According to their Monthly Monitoring Report of May 2024, there were continued trends of partisan distribution of food aid and agricultural inputs, with alleged victims being discriminated against and denied food.
However, the Government has dismissed these claims, stating that food aid is being distributed through established structures, including the Food Deficit Mitigation Programme, implemented through the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare. The programme targets the most food insecure households in provinces, with the World Food Programme and other development partners providing food assistance through Government structures.
The UN and other development partners have pledged their support to the Government’s efforts, ensuring that humanitarian aid reaches those in need. The drought relief efforts are a testament to the Government’s commitment to ensuring food security for all citizens, despite the challenges posed by the drought.
Additional Sources:
- UN Zimbabwe: Drought Flash Appeal
- World Food Programme: Zimbabwe Drought Response
- Zimbabwe Government: Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare
- Zimbabwe Vulnerability Assessment Committee (ZimVac): Rural Livelihood Assessment Results
