KEY VIOLATIONS
UNFAIR DISTRIBUTION OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL INPUT AID
During the reporting month, 23 violations related to unfair and discriminatory food and agricultural input
distribution were documented. In Mashonaland East Province, Goromonzi North, a female beneficiary was
arbitrarily removed from the government inputs list for failing to pay a previously imposed 10kg maize
contribution, despite such schemes being intended as social support rather than exclusionary mechanisms. In
Masvingo Province’s Gutu District, Ward 38, a councillor distributed one bag of fertilizer to be shared among
five non-ruling party members, while ruling party supporters each received a full bag, affecting at least 20
community members and demonstrating overt political discrimination. Similarly, in Shurugwi Ward 23, Midlands
Province, a woman was denied food aid solely because she did not attend ruling party meetings, directly
violating here freedom of assembly and association as well as principles of neutrality and equal access to
assistance. In Gokwe Kabuyuni, government inputs were allocated exclusively to senior ruling party members
and traditional leaders, following directives from the ruling party’s district leadership that excluded ordinary
farmers, including those under the Pfumvudza programme, leaving many unable to plant despite early rains.
Further concerns arose in Makoni District, where inputs are consistently being delivered and distributed late at
night as well as only a few individuals per village. The remaining supplies were allegedly sold by an agricultural
extension officer in full view of police officers and later stored at local shops. These practices not only
undermine transparency and accountability but also endanger lives, as evidenced by previous incidents of
violence during midnight distributions.
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