Trust Freddy-Herald Correspondent
MORE than 11 000 refugees and asylum seekers at Tongogara Refugee Settlement in Chipinge are set to benefit from a JPY200 million (about US$1,3 million) food and nutrition support package from Japan through the World Food Programme.
This comes as Zimbabwe strengthens its national disaster preparedness measures ahead of the 2026/27 agricultural season, which could be affected by El Niño-induced drought conditions.
Officially accepting the assistance yesterday, Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Edgar Moyo commended Japan for its continued support, saying the contribution complemented Government’s efforts to strengthen food security.
“This support comes at a critical time and reflects the enduring spirit of global solidarity that binds our nations together,” Minister Moyo said.
“Your donation complements Government efforts to strengthen the Strategic Grain Reserve and ensure that no one succumbs to hunger in the event of a drought.”
Minister Moyo said Tongogara was already benefiting from various livelihood projects, including chilli, sugar beans, maize, poultry, piggery and fisheries, which were benefiting both refugees and surrounding communities.
“These livelihood interventions have been instrumental in improving food and nutrition security, increasing household income, creating assets, reducing negative coping strategies, and fostering strong social cohesion,” he said.
“This resonates profoundly with His Excellency, the President’s mantra of ‘leaving no one and no place behind.’”
The contribution was formalised yesterday through a signing ceremony involving the Embassy of Japan, WFP and the Government of Zimbabwe.
Under the project, titled; “Strengthening Food and Nutrition Security for Refugees in Tongogara Refugee Settlement through General Food Assistance and Targeted Nutrition Support”, WFP will provide food assistance to about 11 300 vulnerable people over the next two years.
WFP country director Ms Barbara Clemens said the assistance would include cereals such as maize, millet and sorghum, vegetable oil and pulses.
Targeted nutrition support will also be provided to children under five, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and chronically ill people.
“Through this contribution, WFP will provide food assistance to approximately 11 300 people while also delivering targeted nutrition support to those who face heightened nutritional risks,” Ms Clemens said.
Japanese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Nobutaka Maekawa said his country was committed to early action rather than waiting for a crisis to deepen.
“The people of Japan remain committed to supporting the people of Zimbabwe. As we face the possibility of Super El Niño this year, Zimbabwe may once again experience serious challenges in food security and livelihoods, particularly among vulnerable communities,” Ambassador Maekawa said.
He said Japan had, over the past seven years, provided US$12,7 million in food assistance through WFP, benefiting about 227 300 people.
In 2024, Japan also provided 6 000 tonnes of fertiliser to 100 000 small-scale farmers.
Japan has also supported Tongogara through the rehabilitation of a clinic under its Grass-roots Human Security Projects and provided US$370 000 through UNHCR for refugee education and infrastructure in 2022.
Source: Tongogara refugees get US$1,3m food assistance – herald
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