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The Herald April 7, 1983

CHRISTIAN Care in Zimbabwe is launching an appeal for $1,2 million from local and overseas donors to feed 5 000 families until April or May next year.

In a summary of its activity, the organisation said about three million people still did not have enough food because of the drought, and while an international appeal would be made, it was important for local churches to contribute significantly.

The Christian community had a special call to aid the poor and Christian Care, using the infrastructure of the church, was ready to feed 5 000 families a month or double that number.

From the 1982 to 1983 relief programme, the churches raised about $21 000. Many churches, companies, and individuals contributed in-kind and cash.

The Christian Care executive launched an international appeal that raised about $200 000 in cash and $500 000 worth of food. The World Council of Churches made an appeal and raised about $10 000. During the period under review, about 4 000 families were fed in drought in drought-affected and resettlement areas where food was critically short.

Food distributed included maize, mealie-meal, beans, oil, powdered milk, fish, mahewu and tinned beef.

The document said there were logistical problems in Matabeleland, Masvingo, and Manicaland.

It would help if churches in those areas organised themselves for effective distribution. Structures such as those used during the return of refugees in 1980 would help in this national disaster, the document said.

LESSONS FOR TODAY 

Droughts have become a frequent occurrence of late due to climate change and as such, there is need to continuously work on mitigation measures such as putting in place irrigation schemes. 

 The Government has a programme to ensure that there is a dam to irrigate 200 hectares in every district in the country.

 The provision of food relief should always be there to alleviate hunger when seasons do not go as planned. This year some people may fail to harvest anything because of the erratic rains. It is however reassuring that the Government has indicated that no one will go hungry.

Churches remain critical in the mobilisation of food aid for the less fortunate and should be fully supported.