Chief Negomo Delivers Food Aid to 800 Villagers in Drought-Hit Mbire

Over 800 villagers from drought-ravaged communities in Mbire District received food aid on Friday through a traditional relief initiative led by Chief Negomo, marking the second phase of a distribution programme targeting remote, food-insecure areas across Mashonaland Central.

The outreach, which followed a similar operation in Rushinga, reached Kanyemba, Angwa, Mushumbi, and Mahuwe—regions grappling with erratic rainfall, low harvest yields, and limited access to emergency food supplies.

Elderly residents and caregivers of affected households welcomed the support with deep appreciation.

“There was no food in my storehouse. I am going to share this with my grandchildren,” said one elderly beneficiary from Kanyemba.

Another added, “I cannot fend for myself or my family anymore. This help from Chief Negomo means survival.”

Four traditional leaders from Mbire also received food hampers, reinforcing unity among local leadership.

According to The Herald, the programme has not only addressed food shortages but has also strengthened grassroots ties between communities and their chiefs.

Speaking during the distribution event at Mushumbi Primary School, Chief Negomo, who serves as Vice Chairperson of the Mashonaland Central Provincial Chiefs’ Council, said his efforts were guided by President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s inclusive development vision.

“I am always in touch with Chief Chitsungo, and I could not come to see him empty-handed. We are following the President’s Vision 2030—leaving no one and no place behind,” he said.

Mashonaland Central Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Christopher Magomo, commended the initiative as a collaborative effort that highlights the leadership role of traditional structures in supporting government food security programmes.

“Only Chief Negomo knows where he sourced these supplies. He gave them to Chief Chapoto to assist his people. I came here to support that vision and to stand with this community,” said Minister Magomo.

However, during the visit, community leaders also raised urgent concerns including the deteriorating condition of the Angwa–Kanyemba road and increasing cases of human-wildlife conflict.

Traditional leaders appealed to government authorities and development partners for swift action to rehabilitate infrastructure and address the ongoing threats to livelihoods in Mbire’s most vulnerable regions.