Harare, (New Ziana) – In a significant step towards bolstering the resilience of the most vulnerable rural communities, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) together with its partners and donors, on Tuesday launched Phase 2 of the Zimbabwe Resilience Building Fund (ZRBF) in Harare.
The multi-year initiative, designed to empower at-risk populations, focuses on sustainable natural resource management, enhanced food and nutrition security, and reduced vulnerability to natural disasters.
The program, led by UNDP Zimbabwe in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), government Ministries, and other implementing partners, represents a critical effort to address the intersecting challenges of climate change, food insecurity, and disaster risk in the region.
Phase 2 of the ZRBF will target seven rural districts, namely Binga in Matabeleland North province, Kariba in Mashonaland West, Mbire in Mashonaland Central, Hurungwe in Mashonaland West, Mwenezi and Chiredzi in Masvingo, and Beitbridge in Matabeleland South, is set to run until December 31, 2027.
With a proposed budget of USD 17 million funded by the European Union (EU) and the Government of Ireland, the initiative aims to strengthen institutional and community capacities, promote sustainable natural resource management, and foster diversified livelihoods and economic opportunities.
Additionally, the program seeks to enhance climate and disaster risk governance through early warning systems and proactive measures, ensuring communities are better equipped to anticipate and respond to crises. Speaking at the launch event, UNDP Zimbabwe resident representative Dr Ayodele Odusola emphasized the transformative potential of Phase 2 of the project. “This phase is not just about addressing immediate challenges but about building long-term resilience,” he said.
“By improving natural resource management, food security and economic opportunities, we are laying the foundation for sustainable development in these communities.” Dr Odusola highlighted the importance of collaboration, noting that the success of the program relies on the collective efforts of government Ministries, international partners and local communities.
The ZRBF builds on the successes of its predecessor, Phase 1, which was implemented between May 2015 and March 2023. During its tenure, Phase 1 made significant strides in improving food and nutrition security, enhancing climate resilience, and strengthening disaster risk management in some of the country’s most vulnerable rural areas.
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