Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu
[email protected]
The World Food Programme (WFP) is broadening its support in Zimbabwe from providing emergency food assistance to strengthening Government-led Village Business Units (VBUs), a move aimed at enhancing food security, building climate resilience and promoting sustainable livelihoods.
Speaking during a tour of the Garanyemba Drought Mitigation Centre in Gwanda District on Tuesday, WFP deputy country director Mr Billy Mwiinga said the agency was impressed by the Government’s VBU model, which is transforming rural communities from food aid recipients into productive and resilient economic hubs.
He said the initiative has the potential to become a regional model for strengthening food systems and improving community resilience in the face of climate change.
Mr Mwiinga said the visit was meant to assess progress being made under the Government’s drought mitigation centres and Village Business Units, while exploring areas where WFP can provide technical and financial support to ensure the facilities remain sustainable.
“As WFP we have been providing assistance to the food insecure population on an annual basis. We have realised that as WFP that this isn’t sustainable. Now we are looking at a holistic approach to food security and resilience by looking at key building blocks that address food systems and food security in totality.
“Where there is land, water, infrastructure and a market communities can strive. Going forward as WFP our emphasis will be addressing those three building blocks. We want to see how we can support some of these VBUs that Government has established. This visit is also an opportunity to interact with communities on challenges they might be facing,” he said.
The Government has established Village Business Units across the country under its rural industrialisation and food security drive. The centres integrate irrigation, crop and livestock production, agro-processing, value addition and marketing to improve household incomes while strengthening resilience against climate-induced shocks.
Mr Mwiinga said WFP’s new approach aligns with the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), particularly its pillar on food security, climate resilience and environmental protection, which seeks to promote sustainable food systems, climate adaptation and prudent management of natural resources.
He said with forecasts indicating a possible El Niño weather phenomenon during the forthcoming agricultural season, there was an urgent need for communities to invest in resilience-building initiatives.
“Climate change is a reality and based on weather forecasts that we have received we might experience an El Niño this coming season. What we are seeing here at Garanyemba is an example of what we need to do in order to prepare ourselves for such eventualities. Resilience is key and our plans and actions that we take as agencies and Government should address resilience in its entirety,” he said.
The Garanyemba Drought Mitigation Centre is among several integrated rural development projects established by the Government to improve agricultural productivity, ensure year-round food production and create sustainable livelihoods in drought-prone communities.
WFP’s planned support is expected to complement Government efforts by strengthening infrastructure, improving access to markets and enhancing the long-term sustainability of Village Business Units, thereby reducing reliance on humanitarian food assistance.
derick.khumalo