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Sydney Mubaiwa Masvingo Correspondent
Traditional leaders and councillors in Bikita and Zaka districts have appealed to Government and its partners to scale-up food aid efforts to minimise the effects of drought in their areas. In separate interviews, community leaders said their food situation had been worsened by the devastating Cyclone Idai, which destroyed crops and livestock, leaving many people homeless.

Muroi Village under Chief Nhema in Zaka District was among the worst-affected areas.

“Ward 5 under Zaka Rural District Council (RDC) is in dire straits”, said Councillor Hardlife Makwanye.

“We do not have any meaningful yields to talk about this year,” said Cllr Makwanye.

“The 2018/2019 season was really bad for us and we are in trouble. We have families going for days without a decent meal.

“It is a pity to note that some children are going to school hungry. We are appealing for food assistance from both Government and its development partners.”

Cllr Makwanye said they were looking at irrigation development in his ward to ensure decent yields and promote food security at household level.

“We cannot solely depend on food aid. We can produce our own stocks with proper irrigation equipment,” said Cllr Makwanye.

In Bikita, the local community leaders have started compiling a database of people in urgent need of food aid.

Chief Marozva, Phillip Mude, of Bikita said he was working closely with councillors in his area in assessing the people’s needs.

“We are compiling a database of those in immediate need of assistance so that they benefit from organisations that offer food aid programmes,” he said.

Mrs Tendai Muchini, under Chief Marozva, said they were living from hand to mouth as most of their activities were anchored on agriculture.

“Farming is not just a way of life for us, but our means of survival. We usually sell groundnuts, tomatoes, onions and even maize to raise money for school fees and to pay other medical bills.

“This season we have nothing to sell, and you can imagine how we are surviving. Life in rural areas affected by drought is tough.

“We do not even know where the next meal will come from. This is why we are appealing to Government and its development partners to bail us out, she said.