WFP provides a lifeline after drought has rural areas by a chokehold

HARARE - Zimbabwe is in the grips of a debilitating drought, one of the worst to hit the southern African region.

Since declaring a national state of disaster in April, over half of the country's rural population is facing acute hunger.

That is as the World Food Programme continues to distribute food to rural Zimbabwe.

The WFP went to the Mwenezi district, Masvingo province in south-eastern Zimbabwe where it is distributing food secured through Africa Risk Capacity insurance policy payments.

The drought-stricken villagers of the Chingwizi area in Mwenezi District received rations of maize grains, cooking oil, and cow peas.

Some say they do not remember the last time they had a proper meal.

Over 7.7 million people in Zimbabwe's rural and urban areas need food assistance due to drought.

According to government statistics 143,000 people are facing starvation here in Mwenezi district.

The World Food Program is currently assisting 97,000 people with food.