By Newsdesk
The Government of Japan has donated approximately 20,000 metric tonnes of maize to the Government of Zimbabwe’s Food Deficit Mitigation Strategy (FDMS) through the World Food Programme (WFP).
“The Government, through the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare would like to acknowledge receipt of 30,000 metric tonnes of grain from WFP In receiving the donation, Public Service Paul Mavima said.
“The gesture was extended as a way of complementing Government efforts in ensuring food security to vulnerable households in the country.”
“This came against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic which caused depletion of the sources of livelihoods of our populace, hence exacerbating their food insecurity.”
“Therefore, the Government appreciates the efforts by our all-weather friend WFP and its cooperating partners in ensuring zero tolerance to hunger.”
Satoshi Tanaka, the Ambassador of Japan to Zimbabwe, said “The Government of Japan decided to provide this donation of maize given the severity of the current humanitarian crisis in Zimbabwe.”
“I hope that, through WFP and FDMS, it will reach the most vulnerable households as soon as possible so that they can meet their basic needs.”
“WFP’s agile supply chain and global expertise in food procurement and logistics services makes us a trusted and reliable broker in such a valuable partnership between Japan and Zimbabwe.”
“We look forward to continuing to work closely with the Government of Zimbabwe to support and complement its efforts to improve food security in Zimbabwe and together strive towards Zero Hunger by 2030,” said Ms Francesca Erdelmann, the WFP Country Representative and Director.
Japan’s previous support to vulnerable communities in Zimbabwe through WFP has provided food assistance while at the same time strengthening community resilience through the creation of productive assets, such as weir dams and nutrition gardens. It has also provided much-needed nutritional support to expectant mothers at maternity waiting homes across the country.
