A GROUNDBREAKING climate resilience project is rewriting the story of survival in southern Zimbabwe, turning struggling farming communities into climate-smart agricultural hubs with guaranteed markets, modern irrigation and growing bank balances.
The Climate Resilient Livelihoods (CRL) project, being implemented by the United Nations Development Programme in partnership with the government of Zimbabwe and the Green Climate Fund, has unveiled a sweeping March-April 2026 progress report that showcases dramatic gains in food security, financial inclusion and market access.
Gone are the days of rain-fed gamble.
Farmers are now harvesting bumper crops of maize, sugar beans, wheat, Michigan pea beans and chilli peppers through climate-proofed irrigation systems that defy erratic weather patterns.
The project has forged private-sector partnerships that connect farmers to reliable buyers through contract farming arrangements offering input support, technical assistance and price certainty that was previously unheard of.
A total of 188 farmers have undergone training in market-led production, learning to grow what buyers actually want.
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Climate information services are also expanding at pace.
Some 153 extension officers and technical staff have been trained to develop localised agro-meteorological advisories, with 98% of Agritex officers using weather forecasts in their advisory work and 99% ensuring that climate information reaches women, men and youth alike.
Women are feeling the impact acutely.
Meanwhile, Internal Savings and Lending groups are building financial safety nets.
A total of 3 400 members across 351 groups are saving and investing, with women making up 79% of participants.
“Climate resilience is not only about helping communities to withstand shocks; it is also about enabling them to thrive economically,” said project manager Rungano Benza.
The CRL Project continues to play a critical role in supporting Zimbabwe’s adaptation to climate change while improving livelihoods and building strong rural economies.