A new project aimed at building the resilience of communities in Chimanimani District, Zimbabwe, to climate change has been launched. The Building adaptive capacity of vulnerable communities to climate change in Chimanimani District project, implemented by Development Aid from People to People Zimbabwe (DAPPZ) in partnership with Civil Society in Development (CISU) through UFF-Humana, will target 1,000 smallholder farmers and their families in wards 13 and 21 in Chimanimani District.
The project seeks to promote climate-smart agriculture, agroforestry, and biodiversity, as well as strengthen the transformative capacities of the community and local authorities to adapt to climate change. It will also enhance market linkages for smallholder farmers and promote evidence-based advocacy and cross-learning among stakeholders.
Chimanimani District is one of the areas most vulnerable to the devastating impacts of climate change in Zimbabwe. The district has experienced a surge in climate-related disasters, including Cyclones Idai and Freddy, floods, and droughts, which have inflicted severe damage to infrastructure, agricultural livelihoods, and human settlements.
The project is expected to contribute to strengthening the partners’ efforts to build adaptive capacity to climate change among the local population, strengthen their resilience to climate shocks, and enhance the community’s advocacy abilities.
“We are committed to supporting vulnerable communities in Zimbabwe to adapt to the impacts of climate change,” said DAPP Zimbabwe Programs Director Ruth Makumbe. “This project is a testament to our partnership with CISU through UFF Humana and our shared commitment to creating a positive impact in the lives of smallholder farmers and their families”.
The project is funded by Civil Society in Development (CISU) and is expected to run for 24 months.
At a time when many young people seem aimless and adrift, feeling overwhelmed by despair and complaining about unemployment, DAPP Zimbabwe a member of the Humana People to People movement has joined the Africa Skills Revolution. This initiative, launched on July 15th, World Youth Skills Day, aims to offer a beacon of hope through skills development in technical and vocational training
DAPP is one of the eight Humana People to People countries in Africa that offer Vocational Skills Training to young people. The institutions carefully design courses that meet market demands, aligning with national educational frameworks and complementing government efforts to improve academic outcomes. The seven other countries besides DAPP Zimbabwe are Angola, Guinea-Bissau, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zambia
Speaking via Zoom during the webinar launch on Monday, DAPP Zimbabwe Country Director Luckson Soda shared how DAPP’s pioneering public-private partnerships have led to the development of market-driven short courses tailored to address specific skills gaps in sectors like agriculture, engineering and cosmetology.
“These initiatives not only enhance employability but also stimulate economic growth in local communities. As we look to the future, the role of TVET providers in Africa cannot be overstated. They serve as springboards for unleashing the potential of Africa’s youth, equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to shape their own destinies and contribute to a prosperous continent,” said Luckson Soda
“Mr. Soda noted that it is important to nurture young talent in Africa. ‘Today, as we continue to invest in the potential of Africa’s youth, let us reaffirm our commitment to nurturing their talents and aspirations. Let us provide them with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to realize their dreams and build the Africa they envision – a continent where every young person thrives, contributes, and achieves greatness,’ he said.”
DAPP Zimbabwe Vocational Training College Concept
Firstly, our commitment to empowering young people is unwavering. Our TVET college is dedicated to equipping students with practical skills directly relevant to local job markets. We believe in not only preparing students for careers but also empowering them to shape their own futures as drivers of innovation and progress.
Secondly, our college is more than just educational institution, it is a vibrant community hub deeply embedded within our local context. It serves as catalysts for development, fostering collaboration among stakeholders and driving collective progress in the communities.
Thirdly, the college prioritize serving rural and remote areas, ensuring that youth in these regions have equitable access to quality education and opportunities for socio-economic advancement. This commitment is rooted in our belief that every young person deserves a chance to thrive, regardless of their geographical location.
Lastly, a cornerstone of education at our college is the cultivation of essential 21st-century skills. Students learn critical competencies such as organization, teamwork, and problem-solving skills vital for addressing global challenges like climate change and inequality. These competencies not only prepare students to lead but also to innovate and adapt in an ever-changing world.
My name is Simba Mboma and I am a 48-year-old farmer from Svondo village in Chivi District, Zimbabwe. Throughout my life, I always practised subsistence farming, where I grew crops only for household consumption with barely anything to sell. However, I always desired to generate extra income but lack of knowledge and skills held me back. As the breadwinner of my family, I would take on piece jobs in my community to supplement my income averaging $60 a month which was not adequate to support my family.
My life changed when I enrolled in Farmers’ Club Chivi in September 2021 where I received training on smart agriculture and its three principles: potholing, mulching and crop rotation. I implemented these techniques in my 1ha field and 0.1ha garden and also substituted chemical fertilizers with organic manure from my Chinese, vermi and heap composts on my pieces of land. I started with 900 tomato plants in my garden and realised an income of about $600usd translating to a profit of $400 after subtracting input costs. This year, I expanded my garden land from 0.1 to 0.2 hectares and planted 2,000 cabbage heads using capital of $400 and I am anticipating a minimum yield worth USD 1,000. Despite the challenges posed by Cyclone El Nino-induced drought, I am confident in my ability to provide for my family.
My garden crop production increased as I also leveraged the symbiosis between crops and livestock by using animal manure for my crops. I also started producing seasonal vegetables like onions out of season to capitalize on market supply gaps in my community which helped me increase my income and profits. I sell these my produces to walk-in customers and nearby schools. I have already started to benefit an improved standard of living for my household as we now access improved food and nutrition as well as afford other services like education and health.
Despite the challenges posed by Cyclone El Nino-induced drought, I’m confident in my ability to provide for my family’s nutrition, food and income security through farming. My success is a testament to the impact of DAPP’s initiatives, which have empowered me with the skills and knowledge to thrive in sustainable agriculture. By sharing my experiences and expertise, I hope to inspire others to adopt climate-resilient farming methods, boost their yields and improve their livelihoods. Together, we can build a more food-secure and sustainable future for our communities.
Throughout the year, we made significant strides, particularly on pressing concerns such as global warming, climate change, and cholera epidemics. Our people-centered approach has not only produced excellent results, but it has also generated long-term collaboration with local partners, government officials, and other key stakeholders.
The report reflects a collective effort that has propelled us to make an impact on people’s lives in Mashonaland Central, Manicaland, and Masvingo provinces. In the year 2023, our presence impacted the lives of 378,675 individuals from all circles of life and we made significant strides, especially in urgent emerging issues like global warming and climate change, as well as the recent cholera outbreak.
