Sundaymail Editor
Theseus Shambare in BULAWAYO
AT least 150 participants have converged in Bulawayo today to review the Enhanced Resilience for Vulnerable Households in Zimbabwe (ERVHIZ) project, a joint initiative by the Government, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and UNICEF, which is funded by the European Union.
The two-day event is being attended by Government officials, farmers, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), the private sector and donor representatives.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Dr Anxious Masuka and Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Dr Evelyn Ndlovu have arrived at the event.
They kick-started the event by touring exhibition stands of various stakeholders and farmers who are part of over 345 000 people from Matabeleland South who benefited from the project.
The ERVHIZ project was implemented over four years, focusing on building sustainable livelihoods in Bulilima, Mangwe, Matobo, Gwanda, Beitbridge and Insiza Districts, which are vulnerable to economic and climate-induced shocks.
Initiatives included agro-ecology, market access, community WASH and nutrition, rangeland management and irrigation rehabilitation.
The project, guided by UNICEF’s ‘Conceptual Framework for Malnutrition,’ aimed to increase rural household resilience to food crises and climate change.
It addressed malnutrition by enhancing crop and livestock production, promoting healthy eating and improving access to water and sanitation.
“The fact is that with climate change, Zimbabwe will continue to go dry but we want our farmers to adopt climate-smart technology and produce despite the vagaries of weather.
“We also want farmers in dryer regions like Matabeleland South to go for small traditional grains which are resistant. If they want maize, they can still get it from GMB through grain exchange,” said Dr Masuka.
“The event will emphasise the project’s contribution to enhancing resilience and inform future programming and policy.”
The programme will see a panel discussion with expert opinion leaders providing strategic viewpoints. Private sector players, including seed houses and food processors, will highlight the contributions of their products and services.
Feedback: X@TheseusShambare
Online Reporter