PICTURE: Chipinge South was affected by drought during the previous farming season
COUNCILLOR for Ward 24 in Chipinge Cllr Lydia Hlekisana has called the Government and Non-Governmental Organisations to channel more food aid to alleviate food shortages that have hit Chipinge South.
The whole of Chipinge South lies in the natural region five which is hot and arable. Crop farming is only meaningful under irrigation. The El Nino phenomenon that hit the Southern Africa region worsened the plight of Chipinge South peasants.
Ward 24 clusters Checheche, Mabhiza, Madhuku and Mwanyisa communal lands. The councillor revealed to this publication that most households lost cattle to drought so they have no alternative means of getting food.
Said Cllr Hlekisana: “Our Government is very supportive to the affected people. The Department Social Welfare is helping 850 households who are receiving a 50kg bag of maize per month. This has helped to alleviated hunger in the area.”
The councillor further indicated that more households are still in need of food aid. “We are appealing for more food aid, especially for the ones who qualify under the Department of Social Welfare program. We would do better as a ward if the department doubles the number of its beneficiaries,” concluded the councillor.
In Chipinge South four non-governmental organisations are complimenting government efforts in the fight against hunger. World Vision, Plan International and Red Cross are supporting with food and/or cash handouts. International Rescue Committee is subsiding livestock feed.