Sharleen Mohammed

The Government of Japan has committed US$1.3 million through the World Food Programme (WFP) to support food assistance for vulnerable households in Zimbabwe, a move that aligns with the country’s ongoing efforts to leave no one behind towards national food security.

At a signing ceremony held in Harare, today 06 August, Japanese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Mr. Shinichi Yamanaka, emphasized that the support is part of a longstanding cooperation between the two countries and is aimed at bolstering Zimbabwe’s progress.

 “Zimbabwe has made significant achievements in agriculture,” he said. “Our support is not a replacement, but a reinforcement — to ensure that those in need also benefit from the national growth. We value this friendship and the shared vision of sustainable development.”

 The grant, which will be implemented by WFP, is expected to benefit over 32,000 people across selected rural communities, particularly during the lean season. The assistance will include distribution of basic food commodities and is aimed at cushioning families vulnerable to climate shocks such as prolonged drought.

 Zimbabwe has recently recorded notable agricultural successes, including a bumper maize harvest, wheat self-sufficiency for the third year running, and strong tobacco yields. However, certain communities living in marginal, drought-prone areas remain vulnerable due to factors beyond their control.

 Deputy Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Hon. Mercy Dimha, welcomed the support from Japan, describing it as a gesture of solidarity and complementarity.

 “Zimbabwe is not in crisis. We are producing, and our farmers are delivering,” he said. “But this kind of assistance ensures that every citizen feels the progress — even those in hard-to-reach areas. We thank Japan for always standing with us.”

 WFP Country Director, Ms. Francesca Erdelmann, applauded Zimbabwe’s agricultural gains and reiterated WFP’s role in supporting national efforts:

 “Zimbabwe’s commitment to food security is evident in its harvests,” she said. “Our partnership, made possible by Japan, is designed to ensure equitable access to food and nutrition — reaching the most vulnerable with dignity.”

She added that the support will also assist in strengthening community resilience and promoting nutrition education, especially in areas where erratic weather patterns have disrupted local livelihoods.

 A senior government official present at the ceremony added:

 “This is part of our journey to uphold Section 77 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right of every Zimbabwean to sufficient food and clean water. Government remains committed to that right, and partnerships like these help us deliver on that promise.”

 The grant is also aligned with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), which emphasizes inclusive development, improved nutrition, and climate-smart agriculture.

 “Our government’s track record speaks for itself,” said Hon. Matuke. “We have the grain, the wheat, the tobacco. What we need is to make sure the most vulnerable are not left behind and that’s exactly what this collaboration achieves,” he added.

 As Zimbabwe prepares for the next agricultural season, strategic partnerships such as this one reinforce the country's food systems and help consolidate the progress already made under the Second Republic’s agricultural transformation agenda.