By Staff Reporter
Authorities have expressed concern over the impact of migration on vulnerable groups in Mwenezi district, where women, the elderly, and children are left to bear the brunt of hunger while many men relocate to South Africa in search of better prospects.
The Mwenezi District Development Coordinator, Isaac Mutambara, highlighted that the district’s proximity to South Africa encourages most men to leave, often never returning to their struggling families.
Speaking to reporters during a recent visit to observe drought mitigation projects by the World Food Programme (WFP) and its partners, Mutambara said:
“Our most vulnerable populations are women, the elderly, and school-age children due to our proximity to South Africa.”
“At just 80 km away, many young men are drawn to seek opportunities, whether legally or illegally, yet their departure often leads to neglect of those they leave behind.”
“The elderly, children, and women are left to fend for themselves, lacking the energy and resources needed for survival.”
Currently, around 143,000 people in the district are receiving food aid, with 97,000 supported by WFP through its partner, the Mwenezi District Training Centre.
Despite Mwenezi being an agricultural district with a cattle population of 189,000, drought conditions have severely affected livelihoods.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared hunger a national disaster earlier this year, prompting collaboration among government partners, civil society organizations, and the business sector to combat starvation.
WFP has implemented drought resilience programs that have significantly improved the food security landscape. Following a $6.1 million Africa Risk Capacity (ARC) insurance payout, WFP distributed food to Mwenezi, Buhera, and Mangwe, providing beneficiaries with supplies to last two months, including grains, pulses, and cooking oil.
