ZIMBABWE – The Zimbabwean government has issued 807 import permits to 420 private companies, enabling them to import over 4.1 million tonnes of maize by March next year, as part of its ongoing drought mitigation measures.

This is in response to the country’s persistent food insecurity caused by El Niño-induced drought conditions.

The anticipated imports will amount to nearly four times Zimbabwe’s estimated maize deficit, a move expected to stabilize prices and eliminate arbitrage opportunities within the market.

To date, the private sector has imported 812,165 tonnes of grain, predominantly from neighboring South Africa, Zambia, and Mozambique.

According to Professor Obert Jiri, Zimbabwe’s Permanent Secretary for Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, private sector partnerships are critical to ensuring food security.

“The private sector is doing well in complementing the Government’s efforts to avert hunger and food insecurity. We have allowed the private sector to import as much as they can up to date. The idea is to avoid shortages and ensure affordable prices of mealie meal on the market,” he said.

The involvement of private companies in maize importation is seen as a key intervention in tackling the drought’s impact.

On his part, Dr. Tafadzwa Musarara, chairperson of the Grain Millers’ Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) national committee, echoed the government’s sentiments, expressing that the private sector is committed to supporting the nation’s food security agenda.

We are fully prepared to continue supporting the Government’s efforts to end hunger in Zimbabwe. Our contribution ensures that citizens have access to affordable grain and mealie meal,” said Musarara.

According to the World Food Programme (WFP), Zimbabwe is one of the countries at risk of experiencing severe food shortages in the coming months, with rural areas expected to be the hardest hit.

The WFP has warned that if conditions do not improve, up to 5.5 million Zimbabweans could face food insecurity in 2024.

However, the Zimbabwean government remains optimistic that these proactive measures, supported by international partners and the private sector, will mitigate the worst impacts of the drought.

“We are confident that with these partnerships and strategies in place, we can prevent widespread hunger and stabilize food prices, ensuring that all Zimbabweans have access to affordable, nutritious food,” Professor Jiri concluded.

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