VICE-PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangangwa yesterday launched a $1,5 billion food aid appeal to feed an estimated three million people facing hunger.

Addressing journalists in the capital, Mnangagwa said the government was engaging the international community, local businesses, churches and civil society organisations to raise the money.

“Even the traditionally food-secure provinces in Mashonaland in regions 1, 2 and 3 have been severely affected. The maize crop’s condition has been adversely affected and as much as 75% has been written off in Masvingo and 65% in Matabeleland South province,” Mnangagwa said.

Emmerson Mnangangwa

He said 8 287 schools would require standard school feeding scheme and 216 000 children under the age of five would need supplementary feeding in order to prevent malnutrition.

The European Union and other United Nations donor agencies have already expressed willingness to mobilise food aid for Zimbabwe. – STAFF REPORTER

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