Sundaymail Editor
Theseus Shambare
THE Government and its partners have launched the Zimbabwe Resilience Building Fund (ZRBF) phase 2, an initiative to support the livelihoods of 450 000 vulnerable Zimbabweans.
The US$17, 2 million programme launched today is being supported and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office of Zimbabwe, the European Union and the Government of Ireland.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development permanent secretary Professor Obert Jiri said the programme is crucial in assisting vulnerable populations.
“ZRBF 2 goal is to build resilience in vulnerable rural communities, ensure sustainable natural resource management for climate action, improve food and nutrition security and lower the impact of natural disasters in at-risk communities in Zimbabwe,” he said.
“Ministry appreciate the successes of ZRBF Phase 1 which include providing support to over 1 million people, 62 percent of whom are women and 25 percent youth, to cope with the impacts of climate change.”
UNDP Zimbabwe representative Dr Ayodele Odusola said: “The Zimbabwe Resilience Building Fund (ZRBF) Phase 2 represents a pivotal step towards strengthening the resilience of vulnerable communities, enhancing sustainable natural resource management, and ensuring food and nutrition security in the face of climate change.”
Ambassador of Ireland, Austin Gormley, underscored the programme’s direct impact on vulnerable populations.
“I am excited to be part of this joint programme and urge all partners and stakeholders to fully commit to its success,” he said.
“The Zimbabwe Resilience Building Fund will directly support ordinary men and women in communities at risk of climate hazards.”
Ambassador of the European Union, Jobst von Kirchmann, highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts.
“Resilience building must be a joint, long-term effort,” he said.
“By working together and building on past successes, we can create lasting, positive change.”
Key outcomes of ZRBF Phase 2 include evidence generation and capacity building, improved natural resources management, enhanced sustainable livelihoods, and strengthened climate and disaster risk governance.
The initiative will focus on early warning and early action systems to protect developmental gains.
UN resident coordinator Edward Kallon said ZRBF Phase 2 is a manifestation of UN commitment to creating resilience in Zimbabwe.
“Resilience is key in building communities,” he said.
“I am pleased that our partnerships will help Zimbabwe achieve its sustainable development goals.
“We are employing an integrated financial system. Together we will achieve this. This launch is a call to action.”
FAO Sub-Regional Coordinator for Southern Africa and Representative to Zimbabwe, Dr Patrice Talla said the goal of this project is to build resilience in vulnerable rural communities.
“In this instance, this project strengthens the collaborative effort by the European Union and the Government of Zimbabwe to support the development of resilience, particularly focusing on areas like climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction and building strong institutions to better withstand shocks and crises, with a specific focus on vulnerable regions and populations,” he said.
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