The contribution will help WFP to provide a full food ration to thousands of vulnerable families in those areas worst hit by the drought and the poor 2007 harvest. All assistance will be administered in accordance with WFP regulations.
The Zimbabwean government declared 2007 a drought year after a lengthy spell of hot, dry weather devastated cereal harvests in many areas, particularly in the south. A joint Crop and Food Supply Assessment (CFSAM) conducted by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization and WFP in May concluded that Zimbabwe would face a cereal gap of over 1 million tons and that around 4 million people could require humanitarian assistance during the peak hunger period between January-March 2008.
Along with widespread food shortages, Zimbabwe is currently facing a variety of additional challenges that are contributing to increased vulnerability, including hyperinflation, 80% unemployment and a very high prevalence rate of HIV/AIDS (estimated at 18%).
Speaking at a ceremony to announce Sida’s contribution, Swedish Ambassador to Zimbabwe, H. E. Mr Sten Rylander said, “Sweden has confidence in WFP’s systems of registration and food distribution and has been assured that the food aid will reach the most vulnerable families regardless of their political affiliation.”
WFP is an apolitical, humanitarian organisation and its food aid is provided free to the most vulnerable people based solely on humanitarian ground and without regard to political affiliation, gender, race or religion. The entire food aid process is public and transparent, including registration and distribution. Beneficiaries are selected by their communities, assisted by NGOs and overseen by WFP. All distributions are monitored by staff from WFP’s NGO partners and often by WFP field monitors as well. WFP and its partners have increased the number of field monitors in preparation for the vulnerable group feeding operation.