Conflict escalates in communities, as food crisis rocks Matabeleland

Matabeleland South villagers are living in serious food crisis due to El Niño induced drought.

This resulted cattle deaths due to lack of pastures.

Most people expected government and donor support, but however the resources have not been enough to cater for the growing number of vulnerable families.

Matobo Ward 17 villagers have condemned the system used in the distribution of supplementary food and resources that come into their Ward which results to many families not benefiting.

The food distribution programmes usually target the elderly, people living with disabilities, the chronically ill and child headed families.

"Situation is worse this year as no one planted anything," said one youth during the community meeting in Dewe village. "We are all facing starvation, we are all vulnerable but when these programmes come, they select only a few households leaving the rest of us more vulnerable."

Most community members complained against community members who attend meetings in groups in order to nominate and second each other to be included in the list of beneficiaries when they are not deserving.

"This has created conflicts in this community because the same people benefit in every programme that comes in the Ward," said another villager. "When these programmes come, they are meant for everyone hence people should rotate so that every household benefits."

Headman Nqindi said people should learn to share the limited resources that come into the Ward. She also advised the community to find other means of survival and not always depend on handouts.

Meanwhile, Ward 17 community advocacy Action team is advocating on the establishment of a community system on the distribution of food aid so as to minimize conflicts.