ZRBF Phase 2 Strengthens Community Resilience in Zimbabwe

By Kudakwashe Ruzive

The Zimbabwe Resilience Building Fund (ZRBF) Phase 2 is continuing efforts to strengthen communities vulnerable to climate change and economic shocks by supporting sustainable livelihoods, food security and natural resource management across the country.

The programme has already made significant progress in addressing practical challenges faced by communities, including limited market access, low production capacity, water shortages and climate-related risks.

In Mbire District, an agro-processing centre was established to help young people increase production, add value to local products and access wider markets.

Community water schemes were also expanded to improve access to reliable water for irrigation, livestock and household use.

In addition, mushroom farming initiatives were strengthened to support alternative livelihoods, improve food security and create new income opportunities for vulnerable households.

These interventions were supported by training programmes in climate-smart agriculture, financial literacy and market linkages to help communities sustain and expand resilience gains beyond individual projects.

One year into implementation, ZRBF Phase 2 is now advancing its work with a stronger focus on climate action, sustainable natural resource management, food and nutrition security, and strengthening local systems.

Speaking on the programme, UNDP Zimbabwe Resident Representative Dr. Ayodele Odusola said the organisation remains committed to supporting communities with innovative solutions that strengthen livelihoods and promote sustainable development.

“ZRBF 2 builds on past successes to ensure that communities, including those in hard-to-reach areas, are empowered to manage their natural resources, improve food security, and adapt to climate and economic challenges,” he said.

Outgoing European Union Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Ambassador Jobst von Kirchmann, stressed the importance of long-term partnerships in resilience building.

“Resilience-building must be a joint, long-term effort. By working together and building on past successes, we can create lasting, positive change,” he said.

Ambassador Gormley of Ireland to Zimbabwe also highlighted the importance of collective commitment to the programme, noting that ZRBF Phase 2 will directly support communities most exposed to climate hazards.

Since 2015, ZRBF has been led by the Government of Zimbabwe, with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) providing financial support, fund management and programme implementation oversight.

ZRBF Phase 1 was implemented through a partnership involving the Government of Zimbabwe, the European Union, Sweden, the United Kingdom and UNDP.

Between 2023 and 2025, the Government of Ireland and UNDP also provided bridging support to sustain earlier gains.

ZRBF Phase 2 is being implemented under the leadership of the Government of Zimbabwe with financial support from the European Union and the Government of Ireland.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is providing technical expertise on natural resource management and agriculture, while UNDP serves as fund manager.

As Zimbabwe continues to face the effects of climate change, ZRBF Phase 2 is expected to play a key role in strengthening local systems, protecting ecosystems, expanding livelihood opportunities and helping communities build long-term resilience.

##StayTunedOnJWB#