Mat South in need of food assistance 

About 33 000 families in Matabeleland South Province are in need of food assistance and the number increased during the period between January and March last year.

Despite a generally good agricultural season in Matabeleland South Province vulnerable households as well as communities that experienced little rains or water logging require food assistance from the government and its partners.

According to the 2017 Zimbabwe Vulnerability Assessment Committee (ZIMVAC) report the hardest hit areas are Mangwe, Bulilima, Umzingwane, Insiza and parts of Gwanda.

Matabeleland South provincial social services department officer, Mr Totamirepi Tirivai said the number of families requiring food assistance increased to about 100 000 between January and March last year.

Compared to other provinces, Matabeleland South is the second most food insecure province after Matabeleland North.

Meanwhile, a second assessment of the crop situation in the province showed that the province will harvest about 70 000 tonnes of grain, 11 403 tonnes of sorghum and 9 820 tonnes of pearl millet.

Part of yield which will be delivered to GMB is expected to assist the vulnerable and food insecure communities.