THE European Union (EU) yesterday launched four agriculture projects at an estimated cost of $28 million to assist smallholder farmers to improve food security.
By Business Reporter
Speaking at the launch, EU ambassador Aldo Dell’Ariccia said implementing partners contributed an average 10% of their own resources on top.
He said the projects were aimed at supporting irrigation, livestock, food security and nutrition.
“All these interventions align closely to government’s priorities and policies,” he said.
“Before contracting we have had many discussions with staff from the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development in order to ensure that priorities are shared and aligned.”
Netherland Development Organisation will implement $5,5 million on integrated food, nutrition and income security for Binga and Hwange, while $5,5 million will be used by Welthungerhilfe for sustainable intensification of market-based agriculture projects in Gokwe South District.
Dell’Ariccia added that the EU would resume full co-operation with Zimbabwe in November.
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Speaking at the same function, Agriculture minister Joseph Made said lack of collateral security remained a major challenge in the sector.
Official statistics show that the sector requires $2 billion to produce competitively.
Made said the support would help communities.
The EU has delisted most people on its targeted sanctions list, but retained President Robert Mugabe and his wife Grace.
