Chinese CSI engenders food security with short ter...

Chinese CSI engenders food security with short term aid and long term projects

**Community members show off produce at an Agric Show held by PLZ at Vuta Primary School in Goromonzi**

Patience Muchemwa

Senior Reporter

In spite of the tragedy and destruction they have wreaked, the heavy rains pelting different areas across the country over the past few days have brought hope of a better agriculture season for many Zimbabweans.

But for many vulnerable families, it is a long a tough drag to reach the harvest season because of the El Nino induced hunger stalking them.

For Getrude Kativhu of Mkwazane Village in Buhera, when Sabi Star Lithium Mine delivered maize to selected families on October 12, this year, it was a huge relief.

A local leader said that the mine’s decision to step covered crucial gaps as NGOs and state assistance have not been able to take care of all people in need of assistance like Kativhu who is a widow.

With food insecurity exacerbated by recurrent droughts, Chinese companies have stepped up to support food security initiatives across the country.

Their involvement has ranged from providing immediate relief to making long-term investments in agriculture.

In June 2024, Kamativi Mining Company coordinated the delivery of 60 tons of relief food to the Kamativi community, benefiting over 2,700 people. This initiative came in response to a severe drought that drastically reduced food production across Zimbabwe.

**People gather to receive 60 000 tonnes of maize aid coordinated by KMC in Kamativi**

KMC’s efforts were warmly received by both the local community and the government, with the company being praised for its proactive role in alleviating hunger.

Beyond emergency relief, Chinese companies have made significant contributions to Zimbabwe’s agricultural development.

Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe Limited , for instance, has invested in dam renovations that help farmers better store and manage water for agricultural use, ensuring a more stable food production cycle in drought-prone areas.

PLZ has also sponsored local agricultural exhibitions, providing a platform for farmers to showcase their products, exchange knowledge, and access new technologies that enhance productivity.

Sabi Star has started nutrition gardens at local schools to boost food security and improve diets at a sustained pace.

Moreover, several Chinese firms, including Bikita Lithium Mine, have launched income-generating projects that empower local communities.

These initiatives allow residents to earn income by selling decontamination powder and other agricultural products, providing a sustainable source of livelihood that supports local food production.

By combining short-term relief with long-term agricultural investments, Chinese companies are making significant strides in ensuring food security and supporting Zimbabwe’s agricultural resilience.