Senior FAO official hails Zimbabwe project as a model for African resilience

Masvingo, Zimbabwe - FAO Resilience Team Leader for Africa, Priya Gujadhur, has lauded a resilience project in Zimbabwe as a potential blueprint for agricultural resilience across the African continent. 

During a recent tour of Southern Africa, Priya Gujadhur, visited the Mushandike Irrigation Scheme in Masvingo, witnessing firsthand the transformative impact of the Zimbabwe Emergency Food Production Project (ZEFPP) on the lives of local farmers. 

From dependence to diversification: A story of resilience 

The ZEFPP, a USD 25 million initiative funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) under the African Emergency Food Production Facility (AEFPF), aims to bolster food security and resilience in Zimbabwe by improving access to certified seeds, fertilizers, and crucial extension services. Priya Gujadhur's visit, accompanied by the FAO Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa and the FAO Representative in Zimbabwe, Patrice Talla, highlighted the project's success in shifting farmers away from reliance on single crops and the unpredictability of the climate. 

"We've seen how in the last few years, with the support of FAO, the African Development Bank, the Government of Zimbabwe, AFC, the Crop Breeding Institute (CBI) and others, we have really been able to help households in this village really move from dependence  towards financial inclusion," Priya Gujadhur noted, visibly impressed by the changes she observed. "They are being able to take loans (through the seed revolving fund) that help them grow their investment in their farms, in their crops, in their futures, being able to diversify incomes and their livelihoods, really the definition of resilience." 

Empowering farmers, transforming lives 

The ZEFPP's impact extends beyond increased crop yields. It’s about empowering farmers, particularly women and youth, with the resources and knowledge they need to build sustainable livelihoods. The project prioritizes smallholder farmers by providing access to affordable financing, quality seeds, and other essential inputs. ICT-based platforms further facilitate access to information and resources. 

Patrice Talla emphasized the project's impact. "Every time I'm in the field, I can see the evolution," said Patrice Talla. "Farmers have improved their production, embraced new crops, and diversified both their agricultural output and nutrition." 

The sentiments of the FAO officials were echoed by the farmers themselves. Farai Munyanyiri, a small-scale farmer, explained how the project transformed his approach to agriculture. "Before, we were limited to single crops and struggled with unpredictable harvests. Now, we understand how to maximize our land, grow different crops, and secure our family's nutrition. “Another farmer, Yeukai Mshinhiwa, remarked, "The training and the access to good seeds have made a huge difference. We are no longer afraid of drought. We know how to manage our land and our water." 

Focus on sustainability: An exit strategy for long-term success 

While celebrating the project's achievements, both Priya Gujadhur and Patrice Talla stressed the importance of developing sustainable exit strategies to ensure the long-term impact of the ZEFPP. “The goal is to ensure that the positive momentum continues beyond the initial funding period,” said Priya Gujadhur. "What we need is to start working on is a real exit strategy. How are we going to sustain these good results that we have seen?" added Patrice Talla. 

Local farmers are already demonstrating remarkable foresight. Haruperi Nhema, a small-scale farmer, shared her strategic vision: "We're not just thinking about using our current earnings for immediate needs. We're carefully setting aside funds to continue our agricultural activities and invest in our future." 

A critical component of the sustainability strategy lies in the seed production sector. The program has demonstrated that quality seed production is not just viable but potentially lucrative for farmers. 

"We've shown that the seed sector is profitable and attractive," explained Patrice Talla. "This means farmers can continue their activities even after the program's conclusion, with private sector engagement providing ongoing support." 

A flagship for Africa 

Priya Gujadhur concluded her visit with a strong endorsement of the ZEFPP, stating, "The project here in Zimbabwe, in Mushandike, can really be considered a flagship for FAO, for the continent, work that we hope that we can promote and do more of elsewhere on the continent, where we are affected by similar issues." 

The project, which aims to benefit 180 000 people directly and indirectly, with a focus on women and youth, is proving to be a vital step in transforming Zimbabwe's agrifood systems, moving from crisis response to building resilient and sustainable communities.