By Conrad Mwanawashe, Bulawayo
THROUGH implementation of integrated agriculture, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), nutrition, and crisis modification interventions, the Enhanced Resilience for Vulnerable Households in Zimbabwe project (ERVHIZ), has empowered vulnerable rural communities to adopt climate-smart agriculture practices to withstand the impacts of climate change.
According to Dr Patrice Talla, Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) Sub Regional Coordinator and Country Representative for Zimbabwe, one of the most remarkable achievements of ERVHIZ, a joint initiative between the Government of Zimbabwe, FAO, and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), supported by the European Union, is the improvement in the climate resilience index score for 53% of the targeted farmers.
“This means that more than half of the beneficiaries are now better equipped to withstand the impacts of climate change and economic shocks, a testament to the effectiveness of our interventions. This is in line with FAO’s Strategic thrust which focuses on the transformation of agrifood systems through the Four Betters, that is, better production, better nutrition, better environment and better life – leaving no one behind,” Dr Talla said.
The project also facilitated putting 116,143.8 hectares under agroecology and establishing 75 rangeland reclamation demonstration sites, thereby empowering smallholder farmers to adopt climate-smart agriculture practices that not only improve / better their productivity but also contribute to the long-term sustainability of their livelihoods, leading to better lives.
Dr Talla was addressing an ERVHIZ Project Review and Lessons Learnt Event in Bulawayo, Thursday. As part of the review programme, the stakeholders toured resilience projects in Matobo, Matabeleland South Province.
Under the project, FAO trained 149 extension staff in Farmer Field School (FFSs) / agro-pastoral farmer field school (APFS) methodology, who went on to establish 250 FFS while over 25,120 households have access to access to water services for multiple and cross sectoral use, that is domestic human use, use in schools, livestock drinking, livestock dipping and irrigation.
The water systems have been designed to be climate smart-using solar power for pumping, energy saving and water saving irrigation systems.
Under the project, the Lingwe Community managed sand abstraction and solar powered pipe water scheme was established.
“We get water from the river through sand abstraction. It’s three meters deep into the sand. Our tanks are about 2.7 kilometers away from the river and we are using solar power system.
“The water scheme is covering about 13 kilometers into the villages. We have 87 households benefiting, a school with 230 children and a nutrition garden with 50 farmers. We have about 18 tap stands along the piped water scheme,” said Ms Sibusisiwe Nyathi one of the community members managing the system.
“We want to thank the ERVHIZ Project for addressing water challenges from this area. We used to travel long distances in search of water. There used to be cases of domestic violence due to the water crisis. Now everything is okay. We are able to provide for our kids through the nutrition gardens. We are grateful to government and all stakeholders for what they have done for us,” said Nyathi.
Another partner in the implementation of the project, UNICEF Zimbabwe, said nearly 12,000 households have improved sanitation, drastically reducing the risk of water-borne diseases that claim the lives of too many young children.
“More than 45,000 households, including 20,000 children under five, have benefited from essential nutrition services, helping children grow up stronger, healthier, and better prepared for the future,” said UNICEF Deputy Country Representative, Zeinab Adam.
“One of ERVHIZ’s key successes was activating the Crisis Modifier, enabling swift emergency response with additional funds to save lives before crises escalated. This rapid-response mechanism has been a game-changer, proving that early action prevents disasters, saves lives, and strengthens long-term resilience. We must continue investing in early warning and anticipatory action to protect vulnerable communities,” said Zeinab.
“When children are healthy and well-nourished, they can learn, grow, and thrive. ERVHIZ investment in nutrition-sensitive agriculture has helped families grow diverse, nutritious foods, ensuring that children receive the essential nutrients they need. Parents have been empowered with knowledge on better feeding practices, strengthening families and entire communities,” she added.
Beyond food and water, ERVHIZ has played a critical role in protecting children from emergencies. When the cholera outbreak struck Beitbridge, UNICEF, with EU support, swiftly delivered life-saving clean water and hygiene interventions to nearly 4,000 households. And as the El Niño-induced drought threatened food security, over 14,700 households received vital support to ensure children were not left hungry.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister, Dr Anxious Masuka said the ERVHIZ project has laid a solid foundation for sustainable and resilient rural development.
“The ERVHIZ Project was designed to support government of to increase the resilience of rural households from shocks and challenges following a poor 2020 agricultural season coupled with a combination of underlying socio-economic hardship, climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The project benefited approximately 345 000 people, from 69 132 households. It is envisaged that many more benefited indirectly in Matabeleland South province,” according to Dr Masuka.
