By Richard Simango
THE Government, through ongoing projects across various sectors, is committed to building resilience and sustainable economic growth.
This was highlighted during a validation meeting of the 2024 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Voluntary National Review (VNR) by the Ministry of Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare.
Programmes such as the food deficit mitigation strategy have been recognised for their impact on the country’s progress toward achieving its developmental goals.
Deputy Director of Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2063 Co-ordination, Sylocious Chaturuka, said the VNR was significant as it provided a moment of reflection on the nation’s progress across various sectors.
She said it showed the commitment to resilience and sustainable growth, highlighting key programmes and their impact, indicating Zimbabwe’s advancement to its developmental goals.
The Food Deficit Mitigation Strategy, coupled with drought relief efforts, the Presidential Climate-Proofed Input Programme and the accelerated extension capacitation programme have bolstered agricultural productivity, with a focus on irrigation development supporting large-scale farmers.
“The Food Deficit Mitigation Strategy and drought relief efforts have been instrumental in addressing food insecurity. These initiatives have helped mitigate the effects of food shortages and provided relief during drought conditions, thereby contributing to the nation’s food security,” she said.
“Social protection programmes like the harmonised social cash transfer have contributed to the nation’s development by providing a safety net for vulnerable populations. These programmes have helped streamline aid delivery and ensured that assistance reaches those in need, supporting the overall social development of the country.”
She said health initiatives had seen a robust response, with village health worker programmes, anti-malaria and anti-TB programmes, mass drug administrations, and immunisation programmes all contributing to improved public health outcomes.
“Education has received a significant boost with the construction of new teaching and learning facilities, including primary and secondary schools, classroom blocks, and essential infrastructure. The rehabilitation of school facilities, including community-based Early Childhood Development centres and boarding facilities, has been a priority. The drilling and rehabilitation of boreholes have addressed water needs in educational institutions.
“The tertiary education sector has not been left behind, with the construction of innovation parks and the roll out of assistive devices for persons with disabilities. Initiatives like the home-grown school feeding programme and the introduction of Sign Language in teacher curricula have enriched the learning environment.”
Strategies to promote economic inclusion, participation among youths and women such as the financial inclusion strategy and empowerment initiatives aim to drive economic participation.
