Over 213,000 receive food aid in Tete, Mozambique

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Over 213,000 receive food aid in Tete, Mozambique

9:01 CAT | 06 Oct 2016

DW (File photo)

More than 213,000 people affected by drought are befitting from the distribution of food aid in the western Mozambican province of Tete, according to the permanent secretary of the provincial government, Lina Portugal.

The drought mostly affects districts in the south of the province, such as Changara, Marara, Cahora Bassa and Magoe, as well as parts of Moatize, Doa and Mutarara,

Despite repeated attempts to plant crops, peasant farmers in the affected areas have been unable to bring in any significant harvests. Their crops have withered in the intense heat.

The Tete government has launched a domestic solidarity campaign to collect goods and money for the drought victims, and Lina Portugal told reporters on Monday that there has been a positive response.

As for distributing food, those who are unable to work receive it free of charge, but people with productive capacity are enrolled in the “food for work” programme.

Portugal said the food for work programme will continue until March, when it is hoped that peasants will be able to bring in the first harvests of 2017.

“Taking into consideration the capacity of the government and its partners to supply foodstuffs, mostly maize and beans, we have defined criteria for assistance”, she said. “Aid goes first to people who are unable to work, such as the disabled, the elderly, child heads of households and pregnant women. They enjoy priority”.

Portugal added that the Tete government has been urging peasants to plant vegetables in low lying areas, where there is still some humidity, and local communities have accepted this advice.

Source: AIM