HARARE – The Government of Japan has given a contribution of US$1.5 million to Zimbabwe through the UN World Food Programme (WFP) to enable vulnerable people to develop community assets in Zimbabwe. The assets, including irrigation and water harvesting systems, will help improve livelihoods and sustainable food security in two districts, Zvishavane and Mwenezi.
These are among a number of districts in southern Zimbabwe that have suffered as a result of consecutive bad harvests caused by poor rains during the growing season. It is estimated that at least 1.5 million people in the country will be food insecure during the height of the lean season after a decrease of 50 percent in crop production this year. In Zvishavane and Mwenezi, some 83,000 people are likely to face hunger during the height of the 2015/16 lean season.
“Japan’s contribution not only helps us meet people’s immediate food needs but also helps provide the most vulnerable with a means to cope with shocks such as drought,” says WFP Country Director of Zimbabwe Eddie Rowe. “Building resilience is the key to achieving sustainable development and creating a future free from hunger.”
Under WFP’s Productive Asset Creation programme, launched in June this year, participants work on community projects that promote self-reliance, reduce disaster risk and support climate change adaptation. In return, they receive food or cash transfers to cater for their immediate needs.
“Japan has been a major contributor to WFP’s operations for over a decade,” says the Ambassador of Japan to Zimbabwe, H.E. Mr. Yoshinobu Hiraishi. “I am glad to note that this partnership has developed from strength to strength as WFP is adopting an increasingly wide range of innovative initiatives such as the Productive Assets Creation Programme.”
Since 2012, WFP has helped create nearly a thousand community assets in more than 25 rural districts. This year, WFP’s asset creation activities are being implemented in a total of 10 priority districts.
The Government of Japan is one of the largest donors in Zimbabwe. Since 2010, it has provided more than US$ 43 million in humanitarian and development assistance through WFP and other agencies.
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WFP is the world's largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide, delivering food assistance in emergencies and working with communities to improve nutrition and build resilience. Each year, WFP assists some 80 million people in around 75 countries.
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For more information please contact:
Tinashe Mubaira, WFP/Harare, Tel. +263 4 252471, Mob. +263 772 542 904, Email: tinashe.mubaira@wfp.org
Yoshitake Tsuzuki, Embassy of Japan, Tel: +263 4250025-7, Mob: +263 712 201 574