HARARE The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) says more than 2.8 million are currently in need of Food assistance in Zimbabwe, about double the number estimated by the UN and other aid agencies.The UN estimates that Zimbabwes food-insecure population is currently About 1.4 million and is only expected to rise to 1.9 million during The peak hunger period between January and March next year.
Geneva-based IFRC appealed on behalf of the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society (ZRCS) for 38.4 million Swiss francs (about US$33.2 million) to Continue its emergency food operation in Zimbabwe until September 2010.
Latest estimates suggest that there are currently about 2.8 million Food insecure people in Zimbabwe, said the federation.
It noted that while this figure was significantly lower than the grim Estimates issued in 2008 largely as a result of a Better-than-expected 2009 harvest there remained serious concerns About the continued impact of hunger on vulnerable communities across Zimbabwe.
The ZRCS/IFRC food security operation was first launched in September 2008. Originally planned for nine months, it was extended earlier this Year until September 2009 and will now run until September 2010.
The ZRCS wants financial support to provide food and livelihood Assistance for 222 035 people.
The Red Cross said it planned to provide food assistance to rural Communities whilst food vouchers would be given to beneficiaries Living in urban areas.
“The needs of this group remain broader than just food,” said Stephen Omollo, the IFRC’s senior representative in Zimbabwe.
In addition to ensuring that vulnerable communities have access to Food, Red Cross volunteers would offer longer-term, developmental Assistance through the provision of agricultural inputs, agricultural Training and by increasing community access to safe water.
“Yes, the immediate needs are critical. But unless we take steps to Help communities break their dependence on external assistance, then We’re only providing a band aid solution,” Omollo said
In the coming months, Red Cross volunteers are set to rehabilitate 500 Water points as well as re-establishing water point committees Groups made up of community members responsible for the maintenance of The water points.
Post published in: Politics