March 12, 2025

ZRBF 2: Enhancing resilience in a multi-shock environment

Byron Adonis Mutingwende012 mins
Dignitaries at the Signing Ceremony of ZBRF 2 in Harare
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In pursuit of enhancing resilience in a multi-shock environment, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), UN Resident Coordinator’s Office of Zimbabwe, today, officially launched Phase 2 of the Zimbabwe Resilience Building Fund (ZRBF), together with its donors, the European Union and the Government of Ireland.

 

ZRBF is a multi-year initiative aimed at building resilience of vulnerable rural communities, by ensuring sustainable natural resources management for climate action, improved food and nutrition security, and lowering the impact of natural disasters in at-risk communities in Zimbabwe. The launch and signing ceremony took place at UNDP’s Arundel Office Park, bringing together a wide representation of key stakeholders.

In his keynote address while officially launching ZRBF 2, Prof Obert Jiri, the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development said apart from the economic challenges that lead to recurring shocks and stresses, the increasing frequency of disasters and shocks compels stakeholders to build long-term, resilient strategies.
“Of course, humanitarian assistance is critical, but we need to focus on resilience building and capacitating our communities and institutions to withstand these challenges. In response, of course, the concept of resilience was adopted with a framework that enhances local and regional capacity, ultimately increasing the reliance on emergency responses,” Prof Jiri said.
Launched in 2015, Prof Jiri said the ZRBF-1 has become the longest and largest resilience-building program in Zimbabwe, reaching out to 18 rural districts and making significant strides in enhancing resilience in a multi-shock environment. The program has generated valuable evidence and best knowledge that has informed planning and decision-making, strengthening the resilience of communities at risk.
It has also bolstered the government’s capacity for livelihoods, and data generation. ZRBF1 has reached 25% who were capacitated to be able to cope with the impacts of climate change. The program also assisted in designing and implementing five key databases within the ministry. It also assisted in rolling out data tools, statistical analysis tools, and training for ministry officials at both national and sub-national levels. It also strengthened national systems of data monitoring, collection, and analysis.
“The ZRBF1 supported our crop and livestock assessment surveys, the poverty income consumption and expenditure survey, and other tools that the government deals with. It also assisted in producing analytical work such as hazard mapping and barrier analysis and informed policies like the small grain strategy document which was produced and geographical targeting for resilience efforts. It also supported policy development including the traditional grains plan, the sunflower and legume strategy, and also assisted in reviews of animal health legislation and bylaws,” Prof Jiri said.

Dr. Ayodele Odusola, UNDP Zimbabwe Resident Representative said resilience building requires a multistakeholder approach.

 

“ZRBF commends the continued participation of the Ministry and various stakeholders in the programme. The multistakeholder participation will enable the consolidation of evidence and views on resilience building and how to maximize benefits for the development of Zimbabwe.

 

“The UNDP is pleased to continue the partnership with the European Union and the Government of Ireland in improving resilience under the Zimbabwe Resilience Building Fund Phase 2(ZRBF 2).

 

“I would like to thank Government ministries, particularly the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development as well as the Food and Nutrition Council, Department of Civil Protection, Ministry of Environment, Zimparks and Wildlife, Ministry of Finance, for the successful collaboration with UNDP in the implementation of various projects and programs and the launch of ZRBF Phase 2,” Dr Odusola said.

 

He added that UNDP Zimbabwe is proud to be a forerunner in resilience building in the country and continues to spearhead efforts on the same.

 

“Resilience-building remains a long-term goal for the government of Zimbabwe and development partners and the ambitions and actions set in motion through the Zimbabwe Resilience Building Fund will continue to shape and influence the future of resilience-building efforts in the country.”

 

In a video message, His Excellency, Mr Edward Kallon, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Zimbabwe during the launch, reiterated the UN’s commitment to embedding crisis modifiers to address recurring natural disasters into resilience-building programmes.

 

He said ZRBF 2 focuses on empowering communities in districts such as Kariba, Hurungwe, Binga, Mbire, Mwenezi, Beitbridge, and Chiredzi and others, to better manage resources, enhance food security, and tackle climate-related issues.

 

HE Kallon underscored the importance of engaging with the private sector and development banks to provide an investment case and business model that aligns their interests with their goals. Together, we will ensure that our efforts continue to be impactful and sustainable.

 

“Today symbolizes a collaborative effort among various stakeholders, including government bodies, local authorities, civil society, the private sector, and the communities themselves. It underscores that resilience must be both owned and driven by the communities and make a consistent business case linking resilience building with the inevitable green economy and green growth,”.

 

Dr. Patrice Talla, FAO Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa and Representative to Zimbabwe said the priorities of the ZRBF resonate with the Zimbabwe United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework which articulates the strategic engagement of the United Nations Country Team in Zimbabwe to support the country in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the National Development Strategy 1.

 

“FAO and UNDP are contributing to the Cooperation Framework’s Planet pillar result group. The result group focuses on environmental protection, climate resilience, and natural resource management. The pillar aims to improve livelihoods, health, and food security, particularly for vulnerable communities. In addition, the proposal is also built on the UNDP Country Programme Document and FAO Country Programming Framework.

 

“Central to this phase is the adoption of an Integrated Landscape Management approach, a holistic strategy that encourages collaborative partnerships among stakeholders to address the unique challenges and opportunities within each landscape. In this project, FAO as a specialized agency of the United Nations is bringing its technical expertise, particularly in Natural Resource Management and on inclusive, resilient and sustainable food systems transformation,” he said.

 

In his testimonial about ZRBF1, Headman Didymus Nyamahumba from Ward 2 Nyanga hailed the Village Business Unit (VBU) that was established in the ward with the support of UNDP.

 

“The VBU is composed of a piped water scheme, irrigation plot measuring 2h, and maize crop that is maturing. There are livestock drinking troughs and we are going to add processing and packaging sheds for income and self-reliance,” Headman Nyamahumba said.

 

The Ambassador of Ireland, H.E. Austin Gormley, and the Ambassador of the European Union, H.E. Jobst von Kirchmann, delivered remarks on the importance of sustained investment in resilience programming.

 

Speaking at the launch, Ambassador Gormley said, “I am excited to be part of this joint programme and urge all partners and stakeholders to fully commit to its success. The Zimbabwe Resilience Building Fund will directly support ordinary men and women in communities at risk of climate hazards.”

 

Ambassador Jobst von Kirchmann spoke about the past and expected impact of the project and added, “Resilience building must be a joint, long-term effort. By working together and building on past successes, we can create lasting, positive change.” Other EU Member States were also represented by their Ambassadors.

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