Story by Abigirl Tembo
ZIMBABWE has officially launched Phase two of the Zimbabwe Resilience Building Fund (ZRBF), an initiative aimed at building resilience in vulnerable rural communities.
The programme, led by UNDP Zimbabwe in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), government ministries and other implementing partners, represents a critical effort to address the intersecting challenges of climate change, food insecurity and disaster risk in the region.
“The ZRBF Phase two 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.
“By leveraging integrated approaches and fostering inclusive economic growth, we are empowering communities to withstand and recover from shocks while safeguarding their livelihoods. UNDP remains committed to working with partners to build a future where resilience is not just a response but a way of life for Zimbabwe’s rural communities,” Zimbabwe Resident Representative for UNDP, Dr Ayodele Odusola said.
“This project strengthens 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,” FAO’s Resident Representative, Dr Patrice Talla said.
“This now more than ever, calls for a new way of working together through partnerships and collaboration, whereby each stakeholder brings their own unique comparative advantage to reach common goals.”
“I am excited to be part of this joint programme and urge all partners and stakeholders to fully commit to its success. The Zimbabwe Resilience Building Fund will directly support ordinary men and women in communities at risk of climate hazards,” European Union Ambassador to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Jobst Von Kirchmann said.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri emphasised the government’s commitment to resilience building.
“ZRBF two’s 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.
“It will be implemented in seven districts of the Mid Zambezi area (Binga, Kariba, Hurungwe, and Mbire) and the Southeast Low-veld (Chiredzi, Mwenezi, and Beitbridge) for the next four years, until December 2028.The Government of Zimbabwe continues to prioritise resilience building as key to achieving the national development goals outlined in NDS1 and Vision 2030,” he said.
With a proposed budget of US$17 million funded by the European Union (EU) and the government of Ireland, the initiative aims to strengthen institutional and community capacities, promote sustainable natural resource management, and foster diversified livelihoods and economic opportunities.
