Zimbabwe faced a severe humanitarian crisis due to climatic and economic challenges. From January to April 2021, 3.4 million individuals were food insecure and required aid. Another 1.2 million, already aided by agencies like WFP, were also food insecure during this period. Additionally, urban areas reported 2.4 million food-insecure residents by March 2021. Overall, an estimated 7.1 million Zimbabweans experienced food insecurity in early 2021, leading to significant issues with hunger and starvation.
One of the pivotal strategies was our partnership with the government to initiate and bolster the ‘Command Agriculture program. This transformational program focused on ensuring food security at a household level while simultaneously guaranteeing national grain reserves. By providing farmers with resources, training, and financial backing, this initiative has paved the way for increased agricultural productivity, reducing the nation’s reliance on imported grains.
We underscore the importance of strengthening the agricultural value chain through comprehensive capacity building. This involves offering modern farming technique training, guiding farmers on crop diversification, and imparting knowledge on effective post-harvest management to ensure consistent, quality yields. By actively engaging local communities in agricultural ventures, the foundation ensures that the transformative benefits of initiatives like Command Agriculture deeply permeate and resonate at the grassroots. This community-driven approach promises a direct and palpable impact on those most affected by hunger and starvation. Furthermore, the foundation invests in essential agricultural infrastructure. This includes establishing efficient irrigation systems, constructing robust grain storage facilities, and enhancing transportation networks. Such investments boost food production sustainability, minimise postharvest losses, and ensure that produce reaches the farthest corners of the country efficiently.