Zimpapers Logo

Brenda Ziga Herald Reporter
THE Netherlands government has so far contributed $6,2 million to Zimbabwe, to ameliorate the effects of the El Nino-induced drought that has affected southern Africa. Since February, Netherlands has been assisting Zimbabwe to mitigate the effects of the drought. In a statement, the embassy said the assistance has largely been given through the Dutch Red Cross, World Food Programme and the Dutch Relief Assistance.

“In response to growing food insecurity in Zimbabwe, the Netherlands government has decided to further increase its contribution to combat the effects of the El Nino-induced drought.

“Dutch assistance now totals $6,2 million dollars (5,5 million Euros). It will be going to the Dutch Red Cross, World Food Programme and the Dutch Relief Assistance,” reads the statement.

“The Netherlands is assisting both in meeting the immediate needs of food insecure people in Zimbabwe while at the same time help build resilience so that they will be able to cope better with adverse weather conditions in future,” the statement reads.

The Netherlands government said it was committed to continue assisting the people of Zimbabwe during these difficult times. Recently, Netherlands Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Ms Gera Sneller, said her country was working with Dutch agri-business expertise in assisting Zimbabwe farmers.

“The embassy is working closely with a number of Dutch agric-businesses whose expertise would assist Zimbabwe growers to increase production and improve quality of their products both for local market and to access markets in Europe,” she said.