The United Church of Canada is partnering with the Zimbabwe Council of Churches to provide a food assistance project in Masvingo Province, Zimbabwe.
Climate change has heightened the effects of the recent El-Niño meteorological event, causing severe droughts, massive crop failures, depleted water resources and pasture lands, and the loss of livelihoods. Over 7.6 million people are in need of assistance and livelihood support. The of Gutu and Bikita districts are facing IPC phase 3 outcomes, with 57 % of the population in Gutu district and 37% in Bikita district considered cereal-insecure. According to the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET), crisis outcomes will be widespread from October 2024 to January 2025 because most households have depleted food stocks and are now adopting negative coping strategies to address food consumption gaps. In addition, there is reduced demand for casual labour and other non-farm, income-generating activities are hampered by insufficient water.
The project will provide in-kind food assistance of 10 kg of cereal, 0.75 liters of vegetable oil and 2 kg of pulses per individual per month for six months. The project aims to reach 12,000 participants in 2,400 households.