WFP, Cicod distribute K1.4bn in cash, food in Dowa
To alleviate hunger in Dowa District, World Food Programme (WFP) in partnership with Circle for Integrated Community Development (Cicod) have distributed K1.4 billion (about $3.1million) in cash and food.
WFP and Cicod entered into a partnership on implementation of targeted food assistance to families affected by hunger in the district following erratic rains that caused drought in this country in 2015 and 2016.
In an interview after visiting some of the affected people in Dowa, Cicod programme manager Edward Thole said his organisation’s role is to help in distribution and identification of affected households.
“All the technical and financial support is provided by WFP. Through this partnership we are supporting government efforts to reduce food insecurity in the country and the response is for the period December 2015 to May this year. The actual distribution started in January under the Protracted Relief and Recovery Programme (PRRO) responding to humanitarian needs and strengthening resilience,” said Thole.
The response targeted 112 255 people (about 20 410 households) in six traditional authorities (T/As) of Mponela, Chibvala, Chakhadza, Mkutula, Msakambewa and Chiwere, which has five extension planning areas (EPAs).
“In five T/As except Dzoole, we distributed cash transfers for the beneficiaries to buy food. In T/A Dzoole, we gave food to over 1 950 households since it will be difficult to buy food,” said Thole.
One of the beneficiaries Elita Manguluti expressed gratitude for the assistance.
“The harvest has been bad as our maize wilted in the fields. We are thankful to WFP and its partners for the assistance,” she said. n
