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Abigail Mawonde Herald Correspondent
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has mobilised $20 million in additional funding to help feed people affected by the prevailing drought.

The funds were channelled through the United Nations World Food Programme.

The development was confirmed by USAID/Zimbabwe Mission director Stephanie Funk yesterday.

This brings to $55 million the amount of money the United States government has availed for food relief since June 2015.

“The United States is committed to supporting the people of Zimbabwe during these difficult times. We are committed to working with WFP to meet the immediate food needs of vulnerable Zimbabweans, reduce suffering, and ensure families cope with the negative effects of the drought,” said Ms Funk.

The $20 million is expected to support WFP’s Lean Season Assistance programme, which provides monthly targeted food rations or cash transfers for food insecure people in the hardest hit districts in the country.

The United Nations applauded the US Government’s gesture.

“The UN is grateful to the United States for answering our call for additional funding to scale up life-saving activities to reach the growing number of food insecure individuals,” said UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative Bishow Parajuli.

“These funds will help increase our relief efforts to reach those most affected by the drought and other vulnerable groups.”

The WFP Country Director Eddie Rowe echoed the same sentiments.

“The generous additional $20 million contribution from USAID will allow WFP to continue food assistance for 450 000 people in 12 districts over the next six months,” he said.

Government in February declared the 2015-16 agricultural season a national disaster due to the effects of the El Nino-induced weather phenomenon, that has seen the country receiving normal to below normal rainfall.

The declaration was aimed at mobilising resources to alleviate food shortages.