By Lloyd Takawira
Lutheran World Federation (LWF) has pledged to support Zimbabwe with food aid in the wake of a severe drought that has left millions in the country starving.
Addressing the media following his meeting with President Emmerson Mnangagwa in the capital, LWF secretary-general, Martin Junge said his church would partner with government and provide communities with food.
Close to 60% of Zimbabwe’s total population is food insecure and the situation was made worse by the poor rains experienced in 2018 and 2019.
In the rural areas, 5.5 million citizens face severe food shortages and 2.2 million are in the urban areas.
The top clergy added he was glad to share what he had seen concerning the country’s situation during his visit.
“Our visit here has helped us to understand the drought situation and identify how we could work closer together with the church and contribute.
“We cannot solve the problems because they are quite big and the primary responsibility for the people of Zimbabwe is with the structures and government.
“We are however willing to assist and we have identified ways to increase our humanitarian assistance to the country,” Junge said.
Zimbabwe is battling massive stood shortages, which has hit hard across the country.
According to a United Nations expert on the right to food, an estimated eight million Zimbabweans including those living in urban areas are in need of urgent food assistance.