A Strategic Response to El Niño’s Impact
The Grain Marketing Board (GMB) has established 50 shops across Zimbabwe to provide essential commodities at affordable prices, stabilizing markets during the worst drought in over four decades. These shops, strategically distributed nationwide, stock vital items including mealie meal, sugar, rice, salt, flour, soap, cooking oil, and dried kapenta. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring access to basic commodities amidst climate-induced challenges.
Mitigating the Effects of El Niño
Speaking on the intervention, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development Minister Dr. Anxious Masuka said the move mitigates the severe effects anticipated from the El Niño weather phenomenon.
“Mealie meal is available in shops. If you see mealie meal being sold beyond US$7.50 per 10 kilogrammes, please let us know so that we can intervene by sending appropriately priced mealie meal to those areas,” Dr. Masuka stated.
Currently, roller meal is priced at US$5.30 per 10 kg in GMB outlets, providing significant relief for struggling families.
Expansion Plans for 2025
To further enhance accessibility, the government plans to open 38 additional shops at GMB depots by the first quarter of 2025. These expanded operations aim to ensure nationwide coverage and equitable access to affordable essentials.
Scaling Up Food Assistance
The government has scaled up its food assistance programs, targeting 9.2 million rural residents up to March 2025, a sharp increase from the previously projected 6.2 million. The strategic grain reserve has already distributed 253,000 tonnes out of the required 276,000 tonnes for social welfare programs, demonstrating robust preparedness.
In addition, 4.5 million learners in basic education schools will benefit from school feeding programs running until April 2025. The program requires 276,000 tonnes of grain, a substantial portion of which has already been allocated.
Record Wheat Harvest Strengthens Food Security
Zimbabwe’s agriculture sector achieved a milestone with a record-breaking 563,961 tonnes of wheat harvested in 2024. While slightly short of the 600,000-tonne target, this achievement signals growing resilience in the sector.
“What we look for is having people with full stomachs and surplus food in our stocks,” Dr. Masuka emphasized.
A Lifeline for Zimbabweans Amid Crisis
The GMB shops and expanded food programs offer a lifeline for millions of Zimbabweans navigating the dual challenges of a severe drought and economic difficulties. By ensuring affordable commodity prices and sustaining food security initiatives, the government continues to demonstrate its commitment to the welfare of its people.
