THE United States Agency for International Development (USAid) has embarked on a programme to improve nutrition and support rural households in Matabeleland North and South.
PRIVILEGE SHOKO OWN CORRESPONDENT
Food for Peace Programme, also known as Amalima Mothers and Caregivers, is meant to train and support people in childcare, feeding and hygiene practices. The programme’s name, Amalima, is the word for the Ndebele custom through which families come together to help each other.
According to a press statement, USAid has provided fortified supplementary food to pregnant and lactating women and children under the age of two years through clinics.
“USAid has distributed 220 metric tonnes of supplementary food to 17 000 mothers and children, which is distributed through 56 rural clinics in the two provinces,” the statement reads.
USAid has assisted the rural Zimbabweans through different programmes that build economices and resilience, increase incomes and agricultural productivity and ultimately improve food security.
“USAid’s food security programmes range from emergency food assistance to long-term development assistance,” the statement.
Amalima chief, David Brigham, reportedly expressed gratitude to participating communities and local and national government on how they have supported the programme.
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“It has been heartening to see how the programme has been welcomed and supported by both participating communities and local and national government,” he said.
“This is a clear indication that our activities are relevant to people’s lives and in line with the government’s food and nutrition security policy. “This has allowed us to establish operations quickly and meet our first year’s goals, and will help ensure that we will have tremendous impact over the next four years.”
USAid is improving maternal and child health and nutrition, agricultural production and marketing, and community resilience in its target districts of Gwanda, Bulilima, Mangwe and Tsholotsho.
A total of 20 000 people have been provided with agricultural, financial and disaster risk reduction training. USAid has rehabilitated community gardens, built water and sanitation facilities in clinics and reclaimed gullies in areas affected by flooding.
The programme is implemented by a consortium of non-governmental organisations led by CNFA, including Orap, Dabane Water Works, International Medical Corps, the Manoff Group and Africare
