Online Reporter
Muchaneta Chimuka
Herald Reporter
THE World Food Programme (WFP) and the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on resilience building and social protection.
The agreement provides a framework for collaboration between the two institutions in strengthening food systems and livelihoods, promoting skills development and supporting sustainable development outcomes in Zimbabwe.
Speaking at the signing ceremony held at the WFP offices in Harare, WFP Representative and Country Director Ms Barbara Clemens said the partnership reflected a shared commitment to building stronger and more resilient communities through integrated approaches that leverage the strengths of both institutions.
She said the partnership also recognised the important role played by ZPCS in rehabilitation, agriculture and the productive use of land and water resources.
“This MOU establishes a framework for cooperation in resilience building and social protection, areas that are increasingly important for Zimbabwe’s future,” she said.
“Partnerships like this matter because development challenges are rarely solved by one institution working alone.
“The most sustainable solutions emerge when different parts of society bring their strengths together around a common purpose.”
She said, WFP’s work in Zimbabwe is increasingly focused on helping to build durable systems that can withstand shocks and serve people long after individual projects have ended.
“Whether we are strengthening food systems, supporting social protection, improving disaster preparedness, or investing in resilience, our objective is to respond to today’s needs, and to help create the systems that will manage tomorrow’s challenges. That is why today’s signing is significant,” she said.
“The Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services plays an important role in corrections and rehabilitation, but also through its contribution to agriculture and productive use of land and water resources.
“The alignment between our institutions offers opportunities to strengthen food systems, build skills, support livelihoods, and contribute to broader national development goals.”
Ms Clemens said Zimbabwe is entering a period where forecasts point to a heightened likelihood of a strong El Niño hence, they continue to monitor its impacts so that they can quickly place pressure on food systems, water resources, livelihoods, and vulnerable communities.
“WFP’s role is to assist and enable national systems. In support of Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 2, we work hand in hand with Government institutions, helping to strengthen the systems and capacities needed to deliver lasting solutions for food security, resilience, and social protection,” she said.
“Strong countries are built on strong institutions, and we are proud to contribute to that effort in Zimbabwe.”
ZPCS Deputy Commissioner–General, Dr Gramisia Musango, said they will continue to collaborate with WFP in improving their efforts in commercialising their agricultural activities, which contribute to the food security of the country and cushion their efforts in rehabilitating offenders.
“The initiative will strengthen support for our technical staff and strengthen the agricultural productivity drive aimed at enhancing national food security while promoting institutional self-reliance in line with the Second Republic’s Vision 2030,” she said.
The ZPCS production officer, Commissioner Bennias Chandunduma, said farming should be done timeously, requires financial backup and they are also working with the Ministry of Agriculture to ensure that they get more expertise in growing crops to feed the inmates.
