DAPP Zimbabwe has launched the Humanitarian Action to Mitigate the Effects of El Niño-Induced Drought (HAMED) project, a seven-month humanitarian initiative aimed at improving food security for 1,585 drought-affected individuals (317 households) and enhancing access to climate-resilient Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) infrastructure for more than 10,000 people in Epworth District, Harare Metropolitan Province. The project is funded by Humana Portugal through FPP Spain.
HAMED will follow a community-led approach, prioritizing the needs and active participation of affected communities in Epworth South Constituency, Harare Metropolitan Province.
The project has two primary objectives. First, it aims to improve access to WASH services by increasing the availability and accessibility of clean water, sanitation facilities and hygiene services for affected households in Epworth District. Second, it seeks to enhance food security by providing multipurpose cash transfers to drought-affected communities, enabling them to meet their essential food and nutritional needs.
To achieve these goals, the project will provide multipurpose cash transfers to vulnerable households, allowing them to purchase food and other essential items. It will also equip newly drilled boreholes and establish water point committees through training programs. In addition, small vegetable gardens will be set up at facility-based water sources to improve household nutrition. The project will also distribute essential supplies for cholera prevention to reduce the risk of outbreaks in vulnerable communities.
HAMED will conduct community-led hygiene education and awareness campaigns to promote good hygiene practices and prevent waterborne diseases. Furthermore, Internal Savings and Lending (ISAL) groups will be formed and trained as part of a broader strategy to empower women and promote financial inclusion.
With a strong track record of implementing effective humanitarian projects in drought-prone communities, DAPP Zimbabwe is confident that the HAMED project will make a meaningful impact on households affected by the El Niño-induced drought. As we mark this important milestone with the launch of HAMED in Epworth District, we look forward to working closely with our partners—including relevant government ministries, key stakeholders, and the affected communities—to achieve the project’s goal of mitigating the impacts of the El Niño-induced drought by addressing food insecurity and strengthening WASH services in Epworth District, Zimbabwe.