Canadian Foodgrains Bank

Published purpose

Staggering inflation rates, economic failure and a political impasse have contributed to a situation in which more and more Zimbabweans find themselves dependant on food assistance. In addition, limited access to seed stock and projections of erratic weather present the high probability of another poor harvest in 2009. CIDA's contribution is supporting the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, working with Christian Care and the World Food Programme, to provide food assistance to an estimated 80,000 beneficiaries in two districts in Zimbabwe. The operation aims to improve vulnerable households' access to food until the end of March 2010; reduce tendencies to acquire food through unfavourable sources and means, such as borrowing food, limiting portion sizes and consuming grain intended for seed; and, overall, to help improve the quality of life for beneficiaries.