MORE than 20 000 residents in Mzilikazi District in Bulawayo will receive monthly payouts of US$9 with effect from this month as part of efforts by some non-governmental organisations to end hunger in urban areas.
Last year, most of the money and food handouts were concentrated in rural areas but both the Government and NGOs have moved in to help thousands of people facing food shortages in urban areas.
An NGO, DanChurchAid (DCA) said working with the World Food Programme (WFP) has secured US$2,1 million that will be distributed to vulnerable families in Mzilikazi District.
The organisation has already identified beneficiaries who will start receiving the money end of this month. DCA country director Mr Mads Lindegard said the organisation believes in restoring the dignity of individuals and families.
“Resilience building is designed to empower urban poor by building capabilities to respond to a crisis such as food insecurity by way of engaging in gainful income generating activities.
“We will be giving individuals US$9 every month for 12 months and 20 000 individuals will benefit.
“The cash distribution programme will in a way support local markets and as beneficiaries of the cash distribution will be buying from their local retailers and vegetable vendors,” said Mr Lindegard.
He also said compared to rural areas, people in urban areas have no land to farm, so they are more prone to food shortages, especially those that are not working.
“Rural people have land so if they receive adequate rains, they will definitely harvest grains that will last them the whole year whereas urban people have to buy food which is expensive,” Mr Lindegard.
In Mzilikazi District, the survey to identify beneficiaries was conducted by the Department of Social Welfare, DCA and WFP.
“Our vision is to see households with capabilities to prepare for and withstand risks and shocks such as climate change and droughts.
“We are trying to build communities that are resilient.
“Our overall goal is a world without hunger and we are working as hard as we can to find funds to extend the programme to assist all food insecure people in Bulawayo,” he said.
In an interview, the Minister of State for Bulawayo Metropolitan Provincial Affairs, Cde Judith Ncube said she was pleased with the programme because it will complement Government efforts to provide food security.
“I am glad that these NGOs have come to assist the people of Bulawayo considering the high costs of basic commodities and I am certain that this money will make a difference in those people’s lives,” she said.
-State Media