Over the past months, the USHINGI project, implemented under the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) funded Zimbabwe Resilience Building Fund II (ZRBF II), has been making tangible impacts on communities in Nyaminyami District and to witness these impacts firsthand, (UNDP) Resident Representative Dr. Ayodele Odusola together with his delegation visited Nyaminyami District with the objective to tour Siyakobvu CLIC, meet farmers, traditional leaders, and engaging in dialogue about the successes and ongoing challenges.
The field tour brought together UNDP officials, implementing partners, local leadership, and government departments reviewing project achievements, listening to community experiences and successes while identifying practical solutions to challenges affecting the farmers.
Through community dialogues and a site visit, UNDP Resident Representative observed how ZRBF 2 support is being delivered through Agroecology training and production, rehabilitation of water infrastructure, Agroforestry, the establishment of savings and marketing groups designed to help farmers become the best versions of themselves in terms of productivity and income generation.
Speaking during the dialogue, Dr. Odusola highlighted the importance of continued collaboration with the Local Government as well as Government Departments for future sustainability of the projects
“Continued collaboration with local government and development partners is essential to ensure that projects like the Siyakobvu CLIC strengthen the resilience of communities, by working together, we can ensure that the knowledge, infrastructure, and opportunities created today continue to benefit families for generations to come,” he said.
Discussions also highlighted challenges that include limited market access, insufficient water, and the need for expanded income generating projects. Farmers appealed for continued technical support and stronger links to buyers so that the gains recorded can be constant.
Alluding to the need for continued collaboration Mashonaland West Provincial Director for Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS) Mrs. Evelyn Ndoro highlighted how implementing these projects aligns with the country’s vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).
“We greatly appreciate the commitment of Development Partners in supporting initiatives that are helping us achieve Vision 2030 while aligning with the NDS2.
“Technical, financial support and continued collaboration is crucial in building resilient communities, improving food security, and fostering sustainable livelihoods for our communities,” said Ndoro.
Farmers also expressed deep appreciation to the donors and partners for the support that has transformed their livelihoods, highlighting that projects like the CLIC have created opportunities for income generation and strengthened community solidity.
“We are grateful for the support we have received, and we promise to continue working hard, protecting the gardens, agroforestry and other initiatives, so that these projects remain alive and benefit future generations,” said Rongedzai Nebiri one of the farmers in the CLIC.
The engagement reaffirmed that projects like USHINGI are true partnerships with communities, working together to build resilience, enhance food security, and promote sustainable development in Nyaminyami.
