The grant, according to FAO, is meant to improve food sources, nutrition and household income in marginalised communities.
At least 20 000 households are expected to benefit from the grant that will cover 24 months.
Speaking at the launch, FAO country representative, Gaoju Han, said NGOs, the private sector and government organisations would be in charge of the distribution.
“FAO is committed to the realisation of the project results, which are improved access to essential farm inputs through the local market for both crop and livestock producers, improved agricultural production based on sustainable agricultural practices in crop and livestock
production, small scale irrigation and environmental protection, and improved income through surplus production sale and market linkages,” said Han.
Many rural Zimbabwean families are facing chronic food insecurity largely due to low drought incessant droughts and cash constraints.
FAO said there was need to continue supporting agricultural production. An injection of resources for agro-inputs provides smallholders with the capacity to respond to more positive market signals and move out of food insecurity and poverty, said the UN agency.
Speaking at the same function, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Mechanization and Irrigation Development, Seiso Moyo, said Government would put in place mechanisms that will ensure that the aid cascades down to the intended beneficiaries.
“The programmes that we are having are for all people. Anyone who runs them as if they are their personal ventures will be dealt with. The assistance must get to the people. And we have in place structures that will ensure that people benefit. We are going to get additional distribution units,” said Moyo.
Post published in: Agriculture