Zimbabwe Ramps Up Food Relief Efforts with Urban Cash Transfer Programme

By Dr Masimba Mavaza

Harare – Zimbabwe’s government says it has intensified efforts to address food insecurity, with the distribution of grain and the introduction of an urban cash transfer program.

Speaking during a post-Cabinet briefing on Tuesday, Information Minister Jenfan Muswere said the government is committed to alleviating food shortages, noting that over 31,889 metric tonnes of grain have already been distributed under the Blitz Grain Distribution Programme.

“The second phase of the Blitz Grain Distribution has now gained momentum as food insecure people continue to receive their 3-months’ supply of grain,” Muswere said. Schools have also started collecting supplies under the Emergency School Feeding Programme, he added.

Meanwhile, the government has contracted NetOne to handle payments for beneficiaries under the Urban Cash-for-Cereal Programme. Beneficiary registration is underway, “and payments are expected to commence by the end of this week,” Muswere stated.