Food Crisis: United States to agency feeds 25,000 in Bikita; provides $3 million grant

By Agencies

In response to the El Niño-induced drought in Zimbabwe, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has awarded CARE Zimbabwe a US$3 million grant to support 25,000 people in Bikita district in Masvingo province from June to November.

According to the Zimbabwe Vulnerability Assessment 2023 Report, 2.7 million people in Zimbabwe are in dire need of food assistance.

The El Niño-induced drought is projected to result in livelihood loss, water scarcity, and disruption of social protection services. An estimated 26.4 percent of children under five years of age are facing malnutrition and stunted growth.

CARE Zimbabwe will implement the grant through its Tayambuka Project, targeting ten wards in Bikita.

CARE Zimbabwe Country Director Patrick Sikana said, “The project takes a multifaceted approach to tackle these challenges.

“It combines in-kind food assistance with the implementation of Food for Assets (FFA) programs. FFA focuses on strengthening community physical and natural assets to enhance resilience and reduce vulnerabilities to future shocks and stresses.

“Tayambuka will address the gaps in food consumption in 5,000 vulnerable households, each with an average of five members.”

Each household will receive six months’ worth of in-kind food assistance comprising 50 kilograms of sorghum cereal, 10 kilograms of Pinto Beans, and 3.75 kilograms of vegetable oil.

CARE Zimbabwe’s investment in adaptation and strengthening of community resilience is also helping to protect livelihood gains and combat climate change.