Cash transfers for Zim’s food insecure

ZTN Correspondent

Although Zimbabwe is expecting a better 2020-21 harvest, the World Food Programme expects about 5,6 million people to face hunger before harvesting begins in March.

The situation has been worsened by the Covid-19 pandemic which has forced authorities to channel resources towards fighting the virus.

The United Kingdom has pledged US$5.4 million to help feed 110,000 food insecure people in urban areas.

A statement from the British Embassy in Zimbabwe said; “Zimbabwe will receive £4 million (approx. US$5.4 million) to help support 110,000 food insecure people living in 8 urban areas.

“These highly vulnerable people, a large percentage of which includes the elderly, people with disabilities and child-headed households have been severely impacted by Covid-19 and the support, implemented by the UN’s World Food Programme, will come in the form of monthly cash transfers or electronic vouchers worth 12 USD per person which can be redeemed in supermarkets.”

Francesca Erdelmann, Country Director and Representative of the World Food Programme in Zimbabwe, said “We are so grateful for our partnership with the UK’s FCDO. This generous and timely contribution from the people of the United Kingdom will go a long way to relieve the hunger burden on Zimbabwe’s most vulnerable urban population.”