Let's share food aid equally

This year, by this time farmers nationwide could have been feasting and enjoying their farm produce ‘zhizha'. Despite the devastating drought, most farmers had planted a number of variety food crops. However this year's harvesting season has become barren for almost all farmers nationally and regionally, due to El Nino induced drought.

In that vein, Government is trying by all means to feed all the people who are struck by hunger nationwide. Most people in rural areas are persistently receiving maize from Government to alleviate food shortages.

On the other hand, local and international donors are also playing their party in lessening the level of hunger in the country. Such a move by Government and private donors should be commended. Eating is essential for survival; hence every single person who dwells in this country deserves access to food.

Therefore, food distributors should ensure that all people have access to food. These food distributors should not eliminate other people from receiving food handouts. Hunger is contradictory to progress; hence, it's simply unacceptable.

As rightly said by Public Service Commission Minister Priscilla Mupfumira, food aid should be shared equally regardless of one's political background. Minister Mupfumira was reportedly quoted warning against distribution of grain along political lines.

"Hunger does not discriminate along party lines, therefore such practices are unlawful. Perpetrators must stop forthwith of face the full force of the law" said Minister Mupfumira. Additionally, Minister Mupfumira noted that it is not a Government policy to distribute food along political lines.

The rampant selective food distribution makes life difficult for other people who are also facing the same challenges of food shortages. It is indeed a crime to deny other people the right to access food. Every individual has a right to food; hence no one should be deprived the right to access either grain from social welfare or food from private donors.

In other words, depriving people food that is meant for them is a form of corruption. Food handouts should reach the intended people and must not be diverted to non beneficiaries. Hence, those found engaging in such corrupt activities must be arrested.

Children are among the many vulnerable groups that are in need of food supplements, and in the danger of being exposed to malnutrition. It is heartening that Government, through Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education will introduce one hot meal in all primary and secondary schools nationwide beginning second term. This is a positive move which will ensure that all school going children attend their classes without fail. Long back, some cases were reported that some children were missing lessons because of hunger.

The Grain Marketing Board (GMB) and District Development Fund (DDF) should take Minister Mupfumira's advice. It really boggles the mind that these two organizations diverted the funds that they were allocated by Government which were meant for the distribution of food aid into repairing their vehicles, paying allowances and settling of their debts. Honestly, during this time of hunger, priority should be given to needy people rather than diverting funds to other businesses.  
 
It is a shame that the food insecurity situation in Zimbabwe is of our own making. Therefore, we should do away with such a situation as it portrays a negative picture about our country at the international community.