GOVERNMENT, in partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), has launched a US$9,4 million Resilient Agriculture Cluster Project (RACP).
The project is aimed at improving food security, supporting rural development and protecting vulnerable farming communities from the impacts of climate change.
Speaking at the RACP stakeholder validation and technical design workshop in Bulawayo last week, chief director for business markets and trade, Clement Bwenje, said the project would bolster Zimbabwe’s climate adaptation agenda while supporting rural development.
“Irrigation rehabilitation is the surest way to climate-proof our agriculture. RACP will cater for value-chain financing, strengthen marketing linkages and expand village business units to 100 additional wards, ensuring resilient production and rural growth,” he said.
AfDB principal institutional capacity development officer Marcel Maglo echoed the same sentiment, outlining the urgency of climate action in Africa and acknowledging Zimbabwe for taking decisive action.
“Climate change is a multiplier of fragility, disproportionately affecting low-income populations, children, the elderly, and farming communities,” he said.
“Our partnership with Zimbabwe is crucial to strengthening adaptive capacity and protecting livelihoods.”
IFAD climate and environment specialist Zira Mavunganidze added that RACP would expand crop and livestock insurance, promote climate-smart agricultural practices and strengthen weather observation networks to provide farmers with accurate climate information.
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“The project will improve water access and harvesting and support land management to protect critical water systems, ensuring farmers can adapt effectively to changing climatic conditions,” she said.
The workshop, which follows consultations in Harare, will include field visits to RACP sites in Kwekwe and Mutoko.
