Zimbabwe News Update
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Judith Phiri,Zimpapers Business HubThe Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with the Government and implementing partners are developing a comprehensive exit and sustainability strategy for the Zimbabwe Emergency Food Production Project (ZEFPP).The project was developed under the African Emergency Food Production Facility (AEFPF), a rapid response framework by the African Development Bank (AfDB) to address the food crisis and disruption of the supply of critical inputs for food production arising from the Russia–Ukraine crisis, climate change, conflicts, and pests and diseases.In an update, FAO said the two-year initiative, which has now entered its transition period and will conclude in December 2025, has successfully reached 82 000 farming households with inputs and extension services focused on climate-smart agriculture.FAO Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa and Representative to Zimbabwe, Dr Patrice Talla said: “A well-crafted exit and sustainability strategy not only ensures the continuity of benefits and empowers local stakeholders, but also fosters accountability, mitigates risks, and strengthens community trust.”He said as they embark on the transition phase of ZEFPP, there was need to prioritize a transparent and responsible exit that secures the project’s legacy, ensuring that the positive outcomes thrive long after implementation ends.The comprehensive exit and sustainability strategy is being developed at a four-day workshop that kicked off on Monday in Kadoma with a format that is deliberately inclusive, featuring plenary sessions, breakout groups and thematic presentations from key partners.These include the Business Development, Markets and Trade (BDMT), Fertilizer, Farm Feeds and Remedies Institute (FFRI), Crop Breeding Institute (CBI), AFC Land and Development Bank, Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS), Seed Services Institute (SSI) and the Department of Agricultural Engineering, Mechanisation and Farm Infrastructure Development (DAEMFID) ensuring that diverse perspectives inform the sustainability roadmap.BDMT Director from the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Mr Abraham Mashumba said the Government was committed to ensuring that the gains made under ZEFPP are preserved and scaled up.“This workshop is a critical step in aligning our national systems with the project’s exit strategy and ensuring institutional ownership of its outcomes.
The end of the project is not end of impact.”Research Officer at CBI, Mr Davison Chaingeni said as an implementing partner in sunflower seed multiplication, they expect the workshop to help them define their role in sustaining seed systems beyond the project.“We look forward to contributing to a strategy that strengthens institutional capacity and ensures continuity of impact,” said.ZEFPP Project Coordinator at FAO, Mr Zwelo Ndebele said the workshop was not just about closing a chapter, but about securing the future.“We are laying the groundwork for a resilient agricultural system that continues to serve Zimbabwean communities long after the project ends,” he said.Over the course of the workshop, participants will engage in a comprehensive review of the project’s key outcomes and achievements to ensure lasting impact beyond project completion.Leave a ReplyCancel reply
Judith Phiri,Zimpapers Business HubThe Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with the Government and implementing partners are developing a comprehensive exit and sustainability strategy for the Zimbabwe Emergency Food Production Project (ZEFPP).The project was developed under the African Emergency Food Production Facility (AEFPF), a rapid response framework by the African Development Bank (AfDB) to address the food crisis and disruption of the supply of critical inputs for food production arising from the Russia–Ukraine crisis, climate change, conflicts, and pests and diseases.In an update, FAO said the two-year initiative, which has now entered its transition period and will conclude in December 2025, has successfully reached 82 000 farming households with inputs and extension services focused on climate-smart agriculture.FAO Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa and Representative to Zimbabwe, Dr Patrice Talla said: “A well-crafted exit and sustainability strategy not only ensures the continuity of benefits and empowers local stakeholders, but also fosters accountability, mitigates risks, and strengthens community trust.”He said as they embark on the transition phase of ZEFPP, there was need to prioritize a transparent and responsible exit that secures the project’s legacy, ensuring that the positive outcomes thrive long after implementation ends.The comprehensive exit and sustainability strategy is being developed at a four-day workshop that kicked off on Monday in Kadoma with a format that is deliberately inclusive, featuring plenary sessions, breakout groups and thematic presentations from key partners.These include the Business Development, Markets and Trade (BDMT), Fertilizer, Farm Feeds and Remedies Institute (FFRI), Crop Breeding Institute (CBI), AFC Land and Development Bank, Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS), Seed Services Institute (SSI) and the Department of Agricultural Engineering, Mechanisation and Farm Infrastructure Development (DAEMFID) ensuring that diverse perspectives inform the sustainability roadmap.BDMT Director from the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Mr Abraham Mashumba said the Government was committed to ensuring that the gains made under ZEFPP are preserved and scaled up.“This workshop is a critical step in aligning our national systems with the project’s exit strategy and ensuring institutional ownership of its outcomes.
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