By Zachary Gava
Harare, (New Ziana) – Japan has committed Japanese Yen 200 million for food and nutrition assistance to 11 300 vulnerable refugees at the Tongogara Refugee Settlement in Chipinge, Manicaland province, as Zimbabwe braces for a severe El Niño-induced drought during the 2026/27 agricultural season.
The contribution will be channelled through the World Food Program (WFP), and the project is valued at approximately $1,277,180 US Dollars (USD) or €1,099,690 Euros (EUR).
Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Edgar Moyo said the assistance had come at a critical moment as the government strengthen measures to safeguard national food security.
“Your donation comes at a pivotal moment, complementing Government efforts to strengthen the Strategic Grain Reserve and ensure that no one succumbs to hunger in the event of a drought,” Moyo said.
Zimbabwe currently hosts approximately 12,532 refugees and asylum seekers, with more than 90 percent living at Tongogara.
Moyo said the government was already implementing a six-point strategy to protect the country against potential food shortages, while livelihood initiatives at Tongogara were assisting refugees to build resilience and reduce dependence on food assistance.
Refugees are engaged in crop production, including maize, sugar beans and chilli, as well as poultry, piggery and fisheries projects.
“These livelihood interventions have been instrumental in improving food and nutrition security, increasing household income, creating assets, reducing negative coping strategies, and fostering strong social cohesion,” he said.
Japanese ambassador to Zimbabwe Nobutaka Maekawa said the assistance would provide vulnerable refugees with a basket of cereals, including maize, millet and sorghum, as well as vegetable oil and pulses.
“Japan recognizes the importance of acting early rather than waiting for a crisis to deepen,” he said, adding that the partnership with the World Food Programme and the Zimbabwean government was aimed at strengthening preparedness and resilience against climate-related shocks.
He said the support was particularly important as communities continue to face food insecurity arising from climate change, global crises and rising food prices.
Japan has built a substantial record of supporting food security and vulnerable communities in Zimbabwe through the WFP.
Maekawa said Japan has provided US$12.7 million in food assistance over the past seven years, benefiting about 227 300 people. Last year alone, Japan provided food assistance worth approximately US$1.3 million to about 33 000 vulnerable people, while in 2024 it supplied 6 000 tons of fertilizer to support about 100 000 smallholder farmers.
Japan is also supporting a US$5 million WFP project focused on strengthening the resilience of smallholder farmers to climate change and sustainable agriculture, while other assistance has supported healthcare, education and infrastructure at Tongogara.
Maekawa said Tokyo remained committed to supporting Zimbabwe’s efforts to address food insecurity while strengthening bilateral relations.
“Japan stands in solidarity with Zimbabwe, and through this partnership, we hope to alleviate immediate needs while contributing to long-term food security,” he said.
The latest assistance comes as both an emergency food-security intervention and part of Japan’s broader support for resilience, livelihoods and human dignity among vulnerable communities in the country.
New Ziana
