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USAID donates US$1m to migrant returnees

Local News
The funds by USAID, to be distributed through cash and vouchers, will be availed to beneficiaries in Mwenezi, Zaka, Nkayi, Matobo and Umzingwane districts where people vulnerable to the effects of climate change, hyperinflation and poverty are being targeted.

THE US Agency for International Development has availed more than US$1 million to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) for a 14-month project to build resilience for migrant returnees and their households through income-generating projects.

The funds by USAID, to be distributed through cash and vouchers, will be availed to beneficiaries in Mwenezi, Zaka, Nkayi, Matobo and Umzingwane districts where people vulnerable to the effects of climate change, hyperinflation and poverty are being targeted.

IOM says the targeted areas experience seasonal or permanent migration and the programme will support income generating activities for 1 850 at-risk households made up of some 7 955 individuals.

“Participants will purchase necessary inputs for the income-generating activities through e-vouchers administered by a private sector partner with a wide network,” IOM said in a statement.

“The income-generating activities will provide a source of income to cushion participants’ immediate needs and curb circular migration or the use of negative coping mechanisms.

“Village and household assessments will be conducted to identify project participants and market assessments to determine appropriate income-generating activities.”

The project will also provide information, counselling and referral services for returnees who require mental health and psychosocial support.

The IOM is going to use cash-based interventions which provides support through cash or voucher assistance to aid recipients to directly purchase and access goods or services.

“CBI delivers assistance in a more dignified manner that can restore autonomy and empower recipients. Additionally, CBI can also contribute to the recovery of local markets and financial infrastructure following disruptions caused by disasters or crises,” added the IOM statement.

IOM chief of mission in Zimbabwe Mario Lito Malanca said: “We endeavour to use CBI as a part of a comprehensive solution that links humanitarian assistance with social protection systems and livelihood support.”

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