BY KUDAKWASHE TAGWIREYI/VARAIDZO MUDEWAIRI THE World Food Programme (WFP) has assisted close to a million people with US$3,3 million cash-based transfers and 5 284 tonnes of food assistance in 10 districts of Zimbabwe.
The UN agency revealed it needed US$71 million between January and June next year for funding requirements.
In a country brief, the WFP said environmental and economic shocks in the country over the past decade contributed to high food insecurity and malnutrition.
“Drought is the most significant climate-related risk. The frequent occurrence has significant consequences on livelihoods and food security. About 70% of the population is dependent on rain-fed farming, while most farmers are smallholders with low productivity,” the UN agency said.
“This past year and upcoming lean season are predicted to produce better harvest results following good rainfall.”
Under the lean season response, WFP reached 428 000 people across 10 districts, with Binga district receiving double the ratio of in-kind assistance covering October-November, due to previous delays in registration.
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The WFP, however, noted that it was unfortunate that there were no resources to support 14 000 refugees at Tongogara Refugee Camp in Chipinge, which was experiencing significant funding gaps in reaching affected populations.
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