Staff Writer
The government and its partners launched the second phase of the Zimbabwe Resilience Building Fund (ZRBF) today, aiming to bolster the resilience of vulnerable rural communities against the escalating impacts of climate change.
The initiative, supported and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office of Zimbabwe, the European Union and the Government of Ireland, will focus on sustainable natural resource management, food and nutrition security, and mitigating the impact of natural disasters.
Covering seven rural districts—Binga, Kariba, Mbire, Hurungwe, Mwenezi, Chiredzi, and Beitbridge—the initiative aims to support over 450,000 people by 2028.
ZRBF Phase 2 is funded by the European Union (EU) and the Government of Ireland, with an estimated budget of US$17.24 million.
Speaking at the launch, Ambassador of Ireland to Zimbabwe Austin Gormley said the Zimbabwe Resilience Building Fund will directly support ordinary men and women in communities at risk of climate hazards.
Ambassador of the European Union to Zimbabwe Jobst von Kirchmann spoke about the past and expected impact of the project.
“Resilience building must be a joint, long-term effort. By working together and building on past successes, we can create lasting, positive change,” he said.
The goal of the initiative is to enhance resilience in at-risk rural communities by ensuring sustainable natural resource management, improving food and nutrition security, and mitigating the impact of natural disasters.
The UNDP Resident Representative, Ayodele Odusola, also made remarks on the Zimbabwe Resilience Building Fund (ZRBF) Phase 2 adding that the initiative 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,” Odusola said.
ZRBF integrates climate-smart agriculture, sustainable land and water management, and community-based conservation strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change and build resilience.
ZRBF Phase 2 builds on the success of its first phase by scaling up best practices, consolidating impact and ensuring sustainability to reduce vulnerability to climate shocks and other shocks and, promote sustainable livelihoods, and strengthen disaster risk governance.
ZRBF Phase 1 was a multi-year resilience-building initiative implemented between May 2015 and March 2023. It aimed to improve food and nutrition security, climate resilience, and disaster risk management in Zimbabwe’s vulnerable rural communities.
Phase 1 was funded by the EU, the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, and the Danish Government, with a total investment of US$111.6 million.
