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United Nations Development Programme Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe Resilience Building Fund
1st Quarterly Progress Report 2018
Reporting Period: 1 January 2018 – 31 March 2018
Partners:
Donor(s): EU, DFID, SIDA& UNDP Implementing Partner(s): Ministry of Lands, Agriculture and Rural Resettlement Responsible Partners: Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Ministry of Local Government, Department of Civil Protection, Food and Nutrition Council
Project Numbers & Title:
UNDP Reference ZWE10 00089434 00095679 Donor Reference DFID: 205045 EU: FED/2015/369208/FED/2015/359763 SIDA:
Project Objective/impact Target communities have increased resilience and are food secured
UNDP CPD outcome OUTCOME 1: Targeted households in rural and urban areas have improved food and nutrition security OUTCOME 2: Communities are equipped to cope with climate change and build resilience for household food and nutrition security
UNDP Strategic Plan RRF outcome
Vulnerable communities are equipped to cope with climate change and build resilience for household food and nutrition security
UNDP Strategic Plan RRF output Output 2. Mechanisms in place to assess and mitigate natural and man-made risks at the subnational level
United Nations Development Programme Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe Resilience Building Fund
1st
Quarterly Progress Report 2018
Financial Status as of 31 March 2018
Total Contributions:
Commitments Deposits
USD Equivalent
USD Equivalent
EU Bridging €6,000,000 €5,371,328 $6,043,360.23
DFID £3,500,000 £7,000,000 $10,049,668.54
EU-EDF11
€19,300,000 €10,163,309 $11,486,825.05
SIDA Kr.75,000,000
Kr. 35,000,000
$ 4,304,513.59
UNDP $ 2,000,000
$511,756.02
$511,756.02
Total funds received as of 31 March 2018
$32,396,123.43
Expenditures:
Budget Expenditure 1 May 2015 – 31 December 2015 $ 200,874.50
Budget Expenditure 1 January 2016 to 31 March 2016 $ 360,355.61
Budget Expenditure 1 April 2016 to 30 June 2016 $ 364,905.64
Budget Expenditure 1 July 2016 to 30 September 2016 $ 408,663.62
Budget Expenditure 1October 2016 to 31 December 2016 $1,865,761.99
Budget Expenditure 1 January 2017 to 31 March 2017 $497,251.05
Budget Expenditure 1 April 2017 to 30 June 2017 (Cumulative cash disbursement/expenditures)
$4,133,764.32
Budget Expenditure 1 July 2017 to 30 September 2017 (Cumulative cash disbursement/expenditures)
$3,199,222.09
Budget Expenditure 1 October 2017 to 31 December 2017 (Cumulative cash disbursement/expenditures)
$4,833,488.12
Budget Expenditure 1 January 2018 to 31 March 2018 (Cumulative cash disbursement/expenditures)
$ 3,935,264.78
Total expenditures from May 2015 to March 2018 $19,799,551.72
Closing or Provisional Balance as at 31 March 2018:
$12,596,571.71
Notes: There is a firm legal commitment in contracts of USD 20,305,617.00 against the above-mentioned closing balance.
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Component 1:
Finalization of the baseline survey; implementation of the prioritized capacity development plan;
support to national surveys critical for resilience, as well as completion of the ongoing generation of
resilience thematic case studies and technical notes were the focus for the 2018 quarter 1. Key
achievements during the quarter include:
Survey/ Studies/ Assessments:
▪ Baseline data collection and analysis has been completed: Baseline impact evaluation was
conducted for sampled districts. Data collection processes were completed in mid-February
2018, preliminary results based on 90% data were presented at a meeting with donors,
▪ ZRBF supported the first round of the Crop and Livestock Assessment and the report was
finalized by the reporting period.
▪ MLARR and the ZRBF PMU undertook High Frequency Monitoring System sensitization mission
to Mutoko and Zvishavane local government counterparts,
▪ The technical note on Barriers to Small Grain Value Chains in Zimbabwe was published and
disseminated to a wider audience
Capacity development/ Learning/ Training
▪ On the 26th of March, MLARR and the ZRBF PMU facilitated a workshop on the validation of
Irrigation Inventory and its implications for ZRBF programming.
▪ Open Data Kit refresher training was conducted for MLARR Agritex department intended for use
in digitalisation of questionnaire used for crop and livestock assessments,
▪ The ZRBF PMU facilitated district peer learning visit in Binga focusing on local level planning for
resilience building, good practices in artificial insemination, evidence generation capacities
within the government departments to inform policy interventions and the functioning of the
high frequency monitoring system. The participants included government officials and Consortia
members from Matobo and Insiza.
▪ In support of evidence generation, ZRBF PMU handed over 8 high performance computers, 28
mini desktop computers, and 2 GPS machines at national level,
Component 2:
During the reporting quarter, ZRBF grantees continued to implement planned activities.
Disaster Risk Management implementation and strengthening of DRM structures: With regards
to DRM, the key planned activities were monitoring of Disaster Risk Management (DRM)
implementation (for older consortia) and strengthening of DRM structures (for the newer
consortia). Grantees therefore continued to support the implementation of DRM plans. In this
regard, it is pleasing to note that communities have taken the lead and embarked on community
led initiatives which has strengthened their ability to respond to emergencies. Continued support of
these community led initiatives will see communities bouncing back better from shocks and
stresses in a sustainable manner.
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Trainings/ workshops/ learning visit: Grantees conducted a number of trainings that covered
various aspects of resilience building including trainings on DRM, WASH, HEALTH, Agriculture
production and productivity, Climate Smart Interventions, Community safety nets and creation of
enabling environment for resilience. Several training strategies were used, including classroom
training, farmer field schools, demonstrations, visits to processing facilities and look and learn visits.
ZRBF PMU is promoting learning across consortia and as a result, positive results are being seen. In
certain areas where some consortia are lagging, such as beneficiary registrations, private sector
engagements and infrastructure development, discussions are being facilitated across consortia
through the quarterly review meetings to exchange ideas.
Infrastructure works: A number of infrastructure projects are still lagging behind. To improve
quality and sustainability, ZRBF is in the process of engaging Engineers to assist in the program.
However, it is fair to note that project participants are already benefiting from some of the assets
that the program has invested in. For example, project participants in Mwenezi who had
constructed low cost water harvesting structures from last year Crisis Modifier intervention
managed to harvest some of the rain water received and others had their water-harvesting tanks
filled.
Project participants registration & reach: It has been noted that 2 earlier contracted consortia
(namely MELANA & ZVA) have struggled with beneficiary registration. ZRBF PMU has organized
technical working session to assist the consortia with their databases and beneficiary registration,
paying attention to layering, sequencing and integration of interventions. These projects have also
reached their mid line. In this respect, ZRBF PMU has organized reflection sessions with the Project
Boards to determine what needs to be done to gain maximum impact from the interventions.
Market Linkages and Financial Inclusion: During the quarter, ZRBF has noted a marked
improvement in the number of private sector companies now collaborating with grantees although
this still has to translate to tangible benefits to the project participants. There is still very little
participation of the Financial Services sector. Efforts continue to be made to integrate ZRBF
activities with other development partners operating in the districts.
component 3:
▪ Crisis Modifier Update: The Crisis Modifier was activated in March with ECRAS, MELANA and
ZVA invited to apply for additional funding to implement crisis modifier activities. The rest of
the ZRBF-funded projects (BRACT, ECRIMS, PROGRESS and SIZIMELE) were advised to add and
deprioritise certain activities in response to the findings of the HFM system.
▪ High Frequency Monitoring System Update: All 17 districts, except Umguza, reported on the
crisis modifier trigger indicators under the High Frequency Monitoring System. In March data
for HFM was not submitted for Umguza. Projects continue to utilise information from HFM for
adaptive management and programming. The quarter also saw the continued dissemination of
advisories to farmers in response to various issues. Some good examples include making silage
from failed crop due to the mid- season dry spells, abandoning late planting of sorghum to
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avoid attack from qualia birds, embracing mobile money for VSALs and many more other
examples.
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1. BACKGROUND
The Overall Objective of ZRBF is: To contribute to increased capacity of communities to protect
development gains in the face of shocks and stresses enabling them to contribute to the economic
growth of Zimbabwe with the Specific Objective being: Benefitting Communities will require less
outside assistance to recover from the effects of recurrent hazards or adapting to adverse trends.
The objectives will be achieved via the following three outputs:
Output 1: Application of evidence in policy making for resilience increased. This will mainly be done
by setting up an independent base of evidence for programme targeting and policy making (incl
M&E) and promoting capacity assessment and building of central and local government partners to
improve application of evidence
Output 2: Absorptive, adaptive and transformative capacities of at-risk communities increased and
improved. This will be pursued via the setting up of Multi Donor Fund which will allow partners to
come together around the Resilience Framework and principles to improve adaptive, absorptive
and transformative capacities of the targeted communities.
Output 3: Timely and cost-effective response to shocks and stresses rolled out via crisis modifier
mechanism, that will provide appropriate, predictable, coordinated and timely response to risk and
shocks to benefitting communities, from a resilience perspective.
OPERATING CONTEXT DURING 1st QUARTER of 2018
In January 2018, all districts experienced long dry spells. The dry spell resulted in the permanent
wilting of some crops, especially maize. High Frequency Monitoring revealed seven (7) livestock
poverty deaths in Matobo district. However, rains received in February and March improved some
crop and livestock performance. Dams collected significant amounts of water to sustain livestock
and households through the dry season. The rains received in February and March resulted in
flooding in some areas, for example, the flooding of the Runde river banks in Mwenezi which
affected Lundi High school girls’ dormitories. In Kariba, seven (7) homes were washed away by a
flash floods from Namandale weir dam affecting 48 people. An additional 21 families had their
fields washed away making them food insecure. Ninety-four (94) goats were also washed away
together with hundreds of chickens.
During the reporting period, Fall Army Worm(FAW) wracked havoc mainly on the maize crop. An
interesting observation was that the small grains crops namely millet and sorghum were not
destroyed by FAW. This could be an additional incentive for farmers to adopt small grains. Small
grains have demonstrated to be more resilient to both mid-season dry spells and FAW which were
among the major hazards experienced during the reporting quarter. Cattle measles is a concerning
animal disease that prevailed in the MELANA project operating districts during the reporting
quarter. This was in addition to an increase in tick borne diseases which are caused by poor dipping
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practices in the districts. With cattle measles a considerable proportion of animals from communal
farmers are being condemned and destroyed at slaughter points. This has cost farmers thousands
of dollars as more than 10 percent of animals that are sold as direct slaughter have been found to
be infected with measles.
The macroeconomic situation in the country remained unstable with key fundamental economic
factors such as high level of unemployment, inflation, and liquidity constraints and multitier pricing
being topical during the quarter. Commodity prices are pegged in US dollar, bond notes and
electronic transfer. This complicates procurement processes. On the political front, projects did not
encounter any major hindrances during the reporting quarter.
2. PROGRESS TOWARDS ACHIEVEMENT OF ZRBF OBJECTIVES
Based on the structure of the Annual Work plan for 2018 the following has been achieved during
the reporting period January to March 2018.
OUTPUT 1: INCREASE EFFECTIVE EVIDENCE BASED INSTITUTIONAL, LEGISLATIVE AND POLICY
FRAMEWORKS IN PLACE AT NATIONAL AND SUB-NATIONAL LEVELS FOR RESILIENCE
1.1. Activity Result: an evidence-base for resilience built
During the reporting period, focus was placed on implementing activities addressing evidence
generation. Specifically, ZRBF achieved the following during Q1 of 2018:
Action1.1.1 Support national data collection, analysis and other studies that are critical for
resilience programming and evidence generation
▪ During the quarter technical support was rendered to the ZimVAC rural assessment survey
design and implementation processes. The processes involved sampling framework, survey
tools development, trainings of survey supervisors and pre-testing of the tools. Data collection
commenced and data analysis and report generation is expected in the coming quarter.
▪ The ZRBF PMU participated in monthly meeting for the Poverty, Income, Consumption and
Expenditure Survey (PICES) technical working group. Technical discussions focused on PICES
survey expected to be finalized in June 2018. Critical issues discussed include funding deficit and
2018 planned activities. The activities under discussion included data entry, cleaning, analysis
and report writing. The survey will produce a report and poverty maps. An update of results
will be conducted from the last assessment conducted in 2012 which speaks to ZRBF impact
indicator measuring the proportion of population living below the national poverty line.
▪ ZRBF supported the first round of the Crop and Livestock assessment. The final report produced
was submitted to the Minister of Lands Agriculture and Rural Resettlement (MLARR). Data
analysed focused on area planted, types of crops planted, and this is aggregated by gender, age
group and ward.
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▪ Preparatory work for Online Database for MLARR commenced this quarter with a meeting
conducted between the ZRBF PMU and MLARR. Key deliverables of these meetings are the
finalised concept note and TORs for the Database Consultant. The consultant is expected to
start in June 2018. A learning visit is scheduled to Kigali/Addis Ababa by the MLARR in May
2018.
▪ DCP Rapid assessment for flooding - the 2017-18 agricultural season did not result in any
flooding event hence the resources were moved to a capacity training on transboundary risks.
The training is scheduled for the Q2 of 2018.
Action 1.1.4 Resilience Thematic Case Study, Research & Technical Notes
▪ The ZRBF PMU received applications for an Individual Contractor (IC) to support national and
sub-national hazard mapping for 2018. Selection process is scheduled to complete in April, work
should commence in May 2018.
▪ A call for proposals was launched for the Resilience Knowledge Hub for ZRBF expected to start
from July 2018 to June 2020. The call launches invited applications from organisation(s) willing
to partner the ZRBF PMU to generate knowledge and champion evidence-based policy advisory.
Resilience Knowledge Hub launch of Call for Proposal was done on the 21st of February 2018
followed by the pre-bid workshop on the 27th of February 2018. The total number of
participants who attended the pre-bid workshop was 56. The process of engagement of service
provider is expected to be completed in June 2018.
1.1.5. Establishment and operationalization of the Resilience Measurement Working Group
▪ Following drafting of terms of reference (TORs) in 2017, two engagement meetings were
conducted between ZRBF PMU, FNC, donors and ZRBF Steering Committee members during the
reporting period. The objective of the meetings was to finalize the TORs and modalities for
operationalization of the working group. The technical working group will contribute technical
advice and expertise to the Zimbabwe resilience agenda, concepts, tools, approaches and
methodologies to support the resilience agenda as outlined in the Zimbabwe Resilience
Strategic Framework.
▪ The launch and planning meeting for the technical working group is expected in the coming
quarter. The proposal is for the group to meet on quarterly.
▪ The launch was delayed and postponed, caused by prioritization of ZimVAC activities scheduled
to be completed in the second quarter.
1.1.6 Publish evidence by documenting knowledge products on resilience related themes- Barrier
Analysis
▪ The technical note on Barriers to Small Grain Value Chains in Zimbabwe was published during
the reporting period. Dissemination of the technical note to all stakeholders is scheduled for
April 2018.
▪ The second technical note on Innovative Solutions to small grains underwent the second peer-
review in March and is due for final review in April 2018.
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1.1.7 Disseminate evidence from knowledge products on resilience related themes
▪ The published technical note on Barriers to Small Grain Value Chains will be disseminated in the
2018 Q3. Target stakeholders include government departments, development partners, ZRBF
project partners and private sector companies.
1.1.9 Regional exchange, knowledge, advocacy
▪ Participated in a four days’ workshop in Senegal focused on a Post-disaster Needs Assessment
(PDNA) that has been conducted from 21st to 24th March,2018. The PDNA is an exercise led by
the government and supported by UN agencies, the World Bank, and the European Union. This
training was part of the Strengthening Capacity in PDNA in the UNDP Africa region which seeks
to:
o Review PDNA Capacity Building in Africa countries
o Train national participants in PDNA and associated methodologies
o Develop a modular programme for PDNA
o Develop a mechanism for continued regional capacity development in PDNA
1.2 Activity Result: Managing for results for ZRBF projects
▪ On 26 March ZRBF Conducted a workshop on the validation of Smallholder Irrigation Inventory
and its implications for ZRBF programming: The workshop was hosted by MLARR and the ZRBF
PMU in Harare. In attendance were representatives from ZRBF Consortia, MLARR-Irrigation
department, MLARR-Economics and Markets department, MLARR- Mechanisation department,
ZRBF-PMU, FAO, IFAD and UNDP-GEF. Engineers from eight provinces representing the
Irrigation Department participated. MLARR presented the results of Smallholder Irrigation
Inventory focusing on 18 districts for ZRBF projects. In addition, two ZRBF projects (ECRAS and
MELANA), IFAD, FAO and UNDP-GEF presented on irrigation related experiences and plans for
irrigation support in these districts. Major problems observed are:
➢ Flooding of pumping stations,
➢ Exorbitant water and energy bills,
➢ Lack of clarity on tenure,
➢ Poor infrastructure,
➢ Dependency syndrome among schemes, and
➢ Market challenges.
▪ It is important to note that interventions that provide solutions to above challenges have higher
chances of success compared to other interventions. To this end, a two-pager note has been
produced as an output of the workshop which summarizing major findings, recommendations
and follow-up actions by Consortia Partners.
1.2.1 Internal Field Monitoring of ZRBF projects with MLARR
▪ MLARR and The ZRBF PMU conducted quarterly performance monitoring visit for ZVA project
visiting Kariba and Binga districts. Recommendations included, accelerating completion of
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pending infrastructure projects, importance of timely utilization and building of sustainability
mechanism,
▪ Furthermore, the BRACT and ECRIMS projects in Mutoko and Zvishavane districts respectively
were visited. Both these two districts successfully promoted small grains at demonstration
plots clearly indicating the tolerance of small grains to mid-season dry spells. Main
recommendations include importance of layering and sequencing in project implementation
and involving the youth as lead farmers for demonstration plots.
1.2.5 Quarterly ZRBF Risk Matrix update
Please see attached in annex III.
1.2.7 Implementation of ZRBF Baseline (impact Evaluation)
▪ Oxford Policy Management Private Limited an independent firm contracted by ZRBF PMU to
conduct impact evaluation rolled out the baseline study in the sampled districts. Data collection
processes were completed in mid-February 2018.
1.2.9 EU ROM mission
▪ The EU Results Oriented Monitoring (ROM) mission continued in January 2018. The field
mission for EU Results Oriented Monitoring was conducted in Matobo (Sizimele Consortium and
Mwenezi (ECRAS Consortium). The mission was part of the planned EU funded projects external
monitoring system that aims at enhancing the Commission’s accountability and management
capacities with a strong focus on results monitoring. The assessment is meat to help identify
issues in the project design efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of the project and aim at
providing recommendations to solve issues and improve the project implementation in relation
to outputs and outcomes.
1.2.12 Workshops and conferences -Combined HFMS/Crisis Modifier, Value for Money etc
▪ The PMU conducted Harmonization of Indicators workshop for the grantees focusing on
programme and projects harmonization on TOC, Logical Framework Performance Indicators,
high frequency monitoring system and value for money indicators. The main objectives of the
workshop were to deepen participants' understanding of the importance of developing and
refining the ZRBF harmonized indicators for monitoring and reporting. Action points included:
▪ Submission by Consortia of Performance Indicators with new adopted indicators
▪ Submission by Consortia of harmonized Value for Money indicators with targets
▪ Refining the HFM trigger indicators and online reporting system
1.3 Activity Result: Increase application of evidence in planning for resilience
1.3.1 Workshops and Conferences- training of ZRBF stakeholders on resilience and crisis
modification at sub national levels
▪ An Open Data Kit refresher training was conducted on 17 January 2018 for MLARR Agritex
department in preparation for the 2018 first round crop and livestock assessments. The
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refresher training focused on clarifying the challenges the department was facing in the process
of digitising the questionnaire.
1.3.3 Knowledge exchange activities at subnational level and regional level for improved
utilization of evidence in planning for resilience.
▪ The ZRBF PMU facilitated a district peer learning visit to Binga for government officials and
Consortia members from Sizimele from Matobo and Insiza districts on 26 to 29 March 2018. The
objective of the exchange visit was for district officials to learn from each other focusing on;
local level planning for resilience building, good practices in artificial insemination, evidence
generation capacities within the government departments to inform policy interventions and
the functioning of the high frequency monitoring system. Binga district shared knowledge and
experiences in the implementation of various components under ZRBF. The participants
discussed challenges being faced at local level and how to address these with or without
assistance from development partners. The challenges highlighted include limited community
participation and poor road network. Proposed solutions include continuous engagement with
community members to bring understanding and appreciation of resilience agenda in the long
term. On the issue of accessibility, the proposed intervention was to further strengthen
engagement with local authorities to upgrade local level infrastructure to support resilience
building.
1.3.4 Support national and sub national institutions with hardware and software to increase
evidence use
▪ During the quarter ZRBF PMU handed over 8 high performance computers, 28 mini desktop
computers and 2 GPS machines to support evidence generation at national level. Of these the
Ministry of Lands Agriculture and Rural Resettlement received 7 high performance computers,
20 mini desktop computers and 2 GPS machines. Ministry of Environment Water and Climate
received 3 mini desktop computers, Ministry of Local Government Public Works and National
Housing received 1 high performance computer and 2 mini desktop computers and the Ministry
of Labour and Social Welfare received 2 mini desktop computers. At subnational level, the
Ministry of Local Government Public Works and National Housing will receive 18 mini desktop
computers for the District Administrator’s office. Ministry of Lands Agriculture and Rural
Resettlement will receive 84 mini desktop computers, 9 Ph meters and 58 GPS machines at
Provincial and in 18 Districts where ZRBF projects are being implemented. The equipment will
be used by various departments to generate evidence for resilience programming and will be
utilized for tracking the HFM trigger indicators.
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OUTPUT 2: IMPROVED ABSORPTIVE, ADAPTIVE AND TRANSFORMATIVE CAPACITIES FOR THE
TARGETED AT-RISK COMMUNITIES.
2.1 Activity Result: Develop, Appraise and award ZRBF grants and Design and Implement Call for
Proposals
a) Project Participants Registration to date
Consortium Beneficiary/Project Participant Remarks
Female Male
Total Target
SIZIMELE 9,755 3651 13,406 31455 Registration is ongoing.
BRACT 4,027 4,062 8,089 15505 Registration is ongoing
ECRIMS 11599 7860 19,463 31000 Registration is ongoing
PROGRESS 4,817 1,923 6,740 20000 Registration is ongoing
ZVA 10,248 45105 Lagging behind
MELANA 10,000 30989 Lagging behind
ECRAS 6405 4095 10,500 10500 Has achieved numbers
TOTAL 78,446 184,554
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2.2 Activity Result: ZRBF effectively and efficiently managed to achieve results
a) DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT (DRM)
To facilitate coordination of activities and eliminate duplication of development initiatives, the ZVA
project produces a quarterly update district level information of who is doing what, where, when
and how (WWW reports) on nutrition, livelihoods and other resilience building initiatives. During
the reporting quarter, the WWW reports were produced and shared in each district. The ZVA
project also continued supporting Ward Resilience Committees(WRCs) to implement their ward
resilience plans by supporting community led initiatives, mentoring the WRCs to further their
understanding of resilience concepts and identifying gaps for technical assistance. Some of the
activities undertaken by WRCs as part of implementing their plans included the following:
Binga
▪ Awareness campaigns on measures to protect livestock from lion attacks, reached out to 3 323
(1471 men and 1852 women)
▪ Cholera awareness campaign reached out to 3323 people
▪ Two awareness campaigns on quelea birds attack on crops (macia and pearl millet)
▪ Awareness campaign on lightning and flooding
▪ Identified a site to construct a marketing stall close to the business center where fish will be
properly dried and packaged to avoid the spread of food borne diseases.
▪ Villagers mobilized a total of $165 toward purchase of roofing materials, window & door frames
etc. and molded 2,500 bricks. It is envisaged that this stall will benefit 3 villages namely Zingozo,
Simatele and Chileya, reaching out to 120M and 180 F project participants.
Kariba
▪ The WRC and the Department of Civil Protection Committee coordinated response to flooding
using ICT. As a result, the DCPC mobilized resources from Kariba Town stakeholders and secured
the District Development Fund boat to transport relief material.
▪ The WRCs in Mola wards 3 and 4 conducted Malaria awareness campaigns and sensitization
meetings at all village gatherings to raise awareness on the signs and symptoms of the disease
and the importance of seeking medical assistance early. This helped to attain zero malaria
deaths across the district despite the high incidence rates of the disease. Village Health Workers
(VHWs) who are also WRC members actively participated in the distribution of mosquito nets to
villagers during the emergency response and played a critical role of awareness raising in
preparation for indoor residual spraying exercises that followed.
▪ WRCs in Makande used every opportunity where farmers were gathered to spread warning
messages against the practice of attempting to cross flooded rivers. Such messages were
distributed during village, ward and farmer meetings as well as at field days. These messages
reached out to at least 337 (F 173 and M 164) participants gathered for field days.
▪ ZVA supported WRCs in conducting Newcastle vaccinations. A total of 2050 birds from 192 HH
(F 87, M 105). VRCs and WRCs were active in mobilizing and facilitating the vaccination process
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as well as collecting data on new and suspected cases through the High Frequency Monitoring
System.
▪ WRCs played a key role in identifying cold storage facilities to maintain the vaccine cold chain.
Mbire
• The WRC undertook simulation exercises on how to conduct search and rescue during and after
flooding reaching out to 300HH in Ward 1.
• the community of ward 1 was affected badly by the mid-season dry spell experienced in
January. Crops planted in the flood plains of Mwazamutanda River were washed away during
the February to March wet spell. In circumventing the crisis, the WRC spearheaded the
engagement of the Safari Operators and CAMPFIRE Committees to be pre-financed with
CAMPFIRE funds to procure mealie meal for the to 1125 affected households to alleviate hunger
in the ward.
• The community identified and ranked tickborne diseases and poor access to educational
institutions as pressing problems in the ward.
• The WRC is spearheading the building of a dip tank using funds generated from Shange
Conservancy chalet rentals as well as the construction of a secondary school so that children do
not walk long distances to the nearest secondary education institution. The dip tank is set to
benefit 540 HH (378 MHH, 162FHH) with a herd of 1,600 cattle.
• The WRC is also active in implementing conservation works through mobilization of
communities to reclaim small gullies formed during the rainy season. Tumburai, Kadzi-Bonga
villages have done land reclamation on small gullies which were now destroying roads
connecting Kadzi and Bonga villages to shopping center. Foot bridges known locally as “murato”
were also established.
• Awareness campaigns on human and wildlife conflict were done with key messages on kraaling
livestock to avoid predation. A total of 6 campaign meetings were done in Kadzi-Bonga,
Kapururira and Tengu villages and these meetings reached out to 105 local leaders (62M/43F)
(village heads, head man and extension staff) who later held cascading meetings in their
villages.
• WRCs of wards 8, 9, 10 and 17 have made use of their resilience plans to submit proposals for
support and prioritization to World Vision Zimbabwe under its new program, Mbire Area
Program. The agency is now finalizing interventions based on the plans. In the same vein ADRA
Zimbabwe is making use of the ward resilience plans in ward 1 and 2 to develop proposal for
submission to WFP to bid for the implementation of the PAC programme.
• The quarterly DCPC meeting for Mbire district was conducted on the 29th of March 2018 at
Mbire RDC offices with 55 people (42M, 13F) in attendance. To note is the high representation
from the development sector (7/55) which was not the case in previous years, as well as
representation of minority/ marginalized groups such as the representatives of the Doma
community. The business community and residents’ association representatives were also
present. This demonstrates a high level of inclusiveness that was lacking in previous years and
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realization by higher level district structures that resilience building is a multifaceted, multi-
stakeholder process in which everyone has a role to play. Mbire RDC developed a Hazard
Register which identifies ward hazards, a ranking system to depict intensity of the hazard in
each ward using information from Ward Resilience Plans as well as the level at which a response
mechanism will be triggered at district level. This is updated monthly in the same manner as
HFM system and assists them in decision making and disaster preparedness. This is an
indication that district structures have embraced the resilience framework and better
appreciate the importance of being proactive rather than reactive and protect development
gains.
• In Binga, local leaders were tasked with the responsibility of conducting simulation exercises at
village level and develop disaster preparedness funds using ward development funds to
facilitate timeous response to disasters. Through ZVA support in 2017, the DCPC identified
capacity gaps that hindered effective preparedness and response to crises and lack of first aid
skills was identified as a major concern. The DCPC reported in the meeting that 30/40 DCPC
members (28M, 2F) requested and received training from Red Cross in February 2018. This is
commendable action by the Binga DCPC as it demonstrates commitment to disaster
preparedness and willingness to participate in the resilience building process. Other
achievements of the Binga DCPC during the quarter include the following:
o Established a fuel reserve system with assistance from humanitarian agencies and other
government departments comprising 220l of diesel for emergency use.
o Purchased 4 new tyres for the DCPC vehicle using funds procured from the Provincial
Civil Protection Office.
o Conducted awareness campaigns on Cholera, zoonotic diseases, cervical cancer,
drowning and lightning.
o Developed electronic animation videos (m-extension) on heat wave awareness and
video awareness on cholera, lightning, floods and wildlife conflicts are in the process of
development.
In the ECRAS project, according to the High Frequency Monitoring report for the month of March,
about 1821.9 hectares (1633 Chiredzi and 188.9 Mwenezi) of crop (maize, sorghum) was affected
by FAW. In this regard, 1063 (Chiredzi 557; Mwenezi 506) farmers were reached out with FAW
training. Monitoring of DRM implementation was done in all wards. The major hazards identified
during monitoring and from the high frequency data were the prevalence of crop pests (FAW) in 16
wards of Chiredzi and Mwenezi and wilting of crops due to the mid-season dry spell experienced
from January to mid-February. Agritex extension staff advised farmers to purchase and use
pesticides such as ecoterex. The trainings were expected to reduce the impact of damage to crops
by fall army worm and hence improved yield for farmers.
In Chiredzi, meetings with DRM committees were held in each ward to discuss emergency
preparedness in the face of the above normal rains experienced across the country, possibilities of
cholera outbreak and FAW management. The DRM committees carried out community awareness
campaigns on the potential risk of flooding, human and livestock disease outbreaks and the need to
prepare adequately. Advisories shared with farmers included the relocation of cattle pens to higher
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ground if their current pens persistently get muddy or flooded, to reduce incidents of diseases like
foot rot.
In the MELANA project, the institutional strengthening exercise commenced. The objective is to
train asset management committees on operation and maintenance of infrastructure.
The Sizimele project in collaboration with AGRITEX assessed potential gaps within the DRR
committees and strengthened them through training on roles of the committee members, hazard
mapping and prioritization as well as planning. 23 out of 49 non- functional ward committees were
revived. During community engagements, church leaders, traditional leaders, government officials
including the DA‘s office and other community social structures assisted in strengthening
community cohesion. Community Managed Disaster Risk Reduction (CMDRR) trainings in all
districts were co facilitated by the Department of Civil Protection (DCP) in order to ensure
sustainability and linking committees to the district level authorities. At the end of March, three
draft CMDRR plans from ward level were submitted to Matobo district authorities and were
awaiting endorsement by the DA and the RDC CEO. Ward level DRR plans development involved
traditional leaders, government departments like AGRITEX, Veterinary, youth, religious leaders and
women groups. A CMDRR training manual has been produced and is being used for training. 99
extension officers (41 males and 58 females) have adopted the manual for training. Key
stakeholders (105) have been trained in CMDRR and transformational conflict management. The
project trained Agritex and members of the Department of Civil Protection (DCP) on the CMDRR
approach in the three districts. In Lupane, Insiza and Matobo, and so far, 4381 project participants
have been trained (13.9%) against a target of 31,455 households for the life of the project.
Under the ECRIMS project in Mberengwa and Zvishavane, two Training of Trainers(ToT) workshops
on Community Adaptation Action Plans (CAAPs) were conducted by the project and a total of 47
participants were targeted for the TOT (Mberengwa; 32 and Zvishavane; 15). Participants were
drawn from the District Sub-Committees. The 47 trainers then rolled out the training at ward level
targeting all the 50 wards. As a result, total of 52 CAAPs were produced to spearhead household,
village and ward-oriented development and planning.
The PROGRESS project held a meeting with the District Civil Protection Unit(DCPU) in Nyanga to
help map the DRR plan for 2018 and understand the key players in the committee and their roles.
During this meeting the project managed to facilitate a discussion of the existing DRR plan which
culminated in the updating of the district plan. This has laid the requisite platform to roll out the
DRR activities in the operational wards. As part of strengthening the capacities of communities to
better understand the risks they live with and come up with ways to manage them, the project
conducted a local leadership training in Beitbridge. A total of 18 community local leaders (2 Female
and 16 Male) from a target of 25 leaders attended the training.
In the BRACT project, a total of 33 (30 males and 3 females) members of the Civil Protection
Committee (CPC) for Mudzi district underwent capacity strengthening to enhance their ability to
develop and utilise relevant disaster preparedness and response plans at district and local level. An
immediate output of the DRM training was the development of DRM plans. A preliminary District
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Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Response plan was prepared from the information
generated during the initial workshop. In Mutoko, the project engaged WADCOs to stimulate and
energise communities to initiate conservation work. This activity was done in partnership with
Mutoko rural district council, and the AGRITEX. 11 ward meetings were held with a total of 229
males and 99 females reaching a total of 328. The following initiatives are being done in the wards
▪ Construction of weirs to conserve water. In these wards communities are also initiating planting
trees around these areas they are doing construction work.
▪ In wards 1, 2, 3, 4 18 and 19 major attention is on road and gully reclamation along the roads in
those wards.
▪ Communities are developing action plans to curb cutting down of trees in their areas are taking
heed to plant more trees,
The Sizimele project identified 7 wards with DRR plans and is currently assisting the remaining 50
that do not have plans.
b) HIGH FREQUENCY MONITORING
During the period under review, the project teams and extension officers continued to track the
high frequency monitoring indicators which provide early warning and early action against various
risks. The data continued to be used for adaptive programming. The dissemination of advisories
continued throughout the quarter.
The ECRAS project facilitated a rapid assessment for the first half of the 2017/18 agricultural season
targeted at all the 29 operational wards. The assessment recommended the encouragement of
farmers to engage in fodder preservation using written off crop to make silage and preserve the dry
residues through urea treatment for stover. Quick facts about cholera were shared with
communities focusing on signs of infection, disease spread, prevention and treatment.
Communities in all the 29 wards were also sensitised on the risk of flooding and measures to avoid
loss of life for both humans and livestock to drowning. Weather information continued to be shared
via the Participatory Scenario Planning (PSP) WhatsApp platforms. Model households and lead
farmers also shared information on FAW through the pamphlets they had received in the previous
quarter. Advisories on FAW continued to be shared amid outbreaks in 24 of the 29 project wards.
Replanting of crops especially maize also formed part of the advisories that were led by Agritex.
Early replanted maize is doing well, and it is expected that the residual moisture will see it to
maturity. In a typical case of adaptive programming, 26 farmers in Mwenezi (10 male and 16
female) and 10 in Chiredzi (4 male and 6 female) made silage using the wilted maize crop that was
affected by the prolonged dry spell. In the case of FAW, hand picking and use of chemicals (Cabaryl
in Mwenezi and Lambda in Chiredzi) were the two main controlling measures that farmers adopted.
In the ECRIMS project (Mberengwa and Zvishavane), the PSP workshops were conducted soon
after CAAP meeting sessions to maintain the follow and inter-linkage of the two components in
building household or community resilience. Each ward produced its unique PSP document. ZRBF
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PMU has approved an application to modify plans to cater for the change in context as observed
from the High Frequency Monitoring. This request was triggered by the just completed CAAP
process where communities identified activities with potential to build resilience and food security
given loss of crops that occurred due to prolonged dry spells and impact of FAW on crops. Some of
the community priorities include water harvesting for irrigation, construction of gardens and rehab
of irrigation schemes.
The MELANA project has developed a communication strategy aimed at instilling the mind set of
resilience and building behavior change. The communication strategy also provides communities
with information so that they can manage their enterprises better. Main outputs during the
reporting quarter included; dissemination of SMSs on various topics (weather forecasts,
management of rabies outbreak, crop diversification, post-harvest management etc) reaching 11
746 project participants, dissemination of 500 FAW management posters in English and Vernacular,
dissemination of Pod Casts on FAW management (3000) and the formation of a WhatsApp group
for extension by the Community Resilience Champions(CRCs)
In the ZVA project, early warning, information and knowledge management systems were utilized
during the quarter and facilitated access to information with a view to influence decision making at
district, community and household level. Information was disseminated to promote behavior
change with regards to livelihood, human and wildlife conflicts, emergencies and other related
challenges. This was achieved through monthly collection of HFMS data and reports shared
accordingly. Data analysis from the HFMS system prompted timeous response to Newcastle and
Malaria outbreaks in Kariba, Cholera and Human wildlife conflicts in Mbire and Binga districts. The
ZVA project continued to use bulk SMS to allow for one-way communication with beneficiaries
across all the thematic areas with strong influence on agronomy, marketing and livestock
management. Of interest is the appreciation of the bulk SMS system by other stakeholders within
the district who have approached the Information Kiosk to access the service. Messages were sent
on behalf of Mushambi secondary school inviting parents to the General Annual Meeting. ZVA also
facilitated information and knowledge management systems through development and distribution
of IEC material to Ward 1 Chalala Community in Kariba district. The posters had information on
handwashing and good environmental and personal hygiene to reduce cholera incidence. Flooding
warning information was shared during a command maize input distribution session and 305
people (180 females and 125 males) were reached. The awareness raising was necessitated by the
loss of lives that had occurred in ward 11 where 3 lives were lost as members of 2 families
attempted to cross a flooded Nyadara river to connect to their village. The AgroPal 2- way
communication platform was deployed and launched in Mbire to facilitate 2-way communication
between project participants and stakeholders.
The Sizimele project’s analysis of existing DRR methods and indigenous knowledge was completed
for 37 wards taking the cumulative figure to 57. Analysis shows some good scope for integration of
indigenous knowledge systems with the conventional early warning systems. Sizimele recognizes
the role played by agencies such as WFP, ZimPro, Caritas, World Vision in disaster risk reduction
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across the three districts and therefore overlays activities accordingly. Three Automated Weather
Stations (AWS) were installed in each district and linked to TV screens located at the three district
offices. In addition, thirty-five rain gauges were installed in all the Sizimele operational wards in
Matobo and Insiza with the assistance of Meteorological Services Department (MSD). The project
managed to purchase 171 high frequency monitoring gadgets, which are being distributed to
selected lead farmers, resilience focal persons and Agritex extension workers. All the project 57
operational wards are set to benefit from these in order to ease information dissemination in the
communities.
The BRACT project introduced the HFMS indicators to the district teams in both Mudzi and Mutoko
district. A total of 118 extension officers comprising of 70 males and 48 females attended the
training workshops. These were mainly crop and livestock ward extension officers and veterinary
extension officers, the idea being to capacitate them on collecting HFMS data.
c) PRIVATE SECTOR ENGAGEMENT/ MARKET LINKAGES
In the ECRAS project, a total payment of $222,798.00 for 485 Chiredzi and Mwenezi poultry farmers
who delivered chickens to National Organic Produce was made during the quarter. The payments
were deposited into the farmers’ Metbank accounts and farmers accessed the money via mobile
phones in view of cash shortages and the thrust to embrace plastic money. The quarterly
assessment report indicated multiple uses of the income realized from the scheme. 26% of the
farmers paid school fees for their children and 25% purchased groceries for household
consumption. Other uses included construction and renovation of houses, VSAL savings and
purchase of farm implements. The birds that were retained by the farmers (average of 5 pullets and
2 cocks) are laying eggs and this has improved households’ nutrition and income level (through
farmer to farmer sales). In addition, there has been an improvement in the poultry breeds in the
communities since the farmers were given an option to retain some birds for breeding.
A total of 122.25 hectares of land (Chiredzi 103.25, Mwenezi 19) were established under Klein
Karoo (K2) seed multiplication contract farming.
In the MELANA project, during the reporting period 5 sub-grantees were contracted. These are
Better Agriculture, RedDane Farming and 3 local market actors out of the initial 4
(Babambangezandla, Hauke irrigation, Bambananimazulu, and Zenzele groups from Nkayi, Bubi,
Umguza and Umzingwane respectively) who had submitted their business plans have been selected
and contracted and will be providing grain threshing services in their respective districts. The
MELANA project also engaged interested buyers and designed tools to assess the availability of
groundnut in the communal areas (the major groundnut production areas in each district, the most
popular varieties grown and fertility management). Seed swops are targeted for April/May 2018
which is the harvest time. The performance of the agro-dealers under the Farm Shop partnership
was low mainly due to low sales volumes and the fact that it is off season. To support the agents,
the MELANA team and Farm shop managed to raise awareness taking advantage of meetings and
field days. Two additional agents were identified in Bubi district for Nkosikazi and Siganda centers.
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An additional agent has been identified for Nkayi District. All the completed paper work is currently
being processed so that the agents can start stocking.
Under the partnership with Amalubarina, a total of 423 farmers who were mobilised into 24
production groups were contracted to grow flowers in Nkayi. 80% (339) are new growers. The
farmers have continued to receive production support throughout the quarter. The total seed
distributed on credit was 263.25 kg which is sufficient for 65.83 ha (rate of 4 kg/ha). There are 11
varieties of flower seed being that were grown during the quarter: Cosmos Sensation Mix; Cosmos
Gloria; Cosmos Purity; Cosmos Polidor Mix; Marigold Sparky Mix; Marigold Tall Nema Mix; Marigold
Petite Mix; Zinnia Dahlia Mix; Zinnia Lilliput Mixed; Zinnia Pumila Mixed; Zinnia Persian Mix. Under
IETC, a total of 2300 farmers (915M, 1385F) accessed sesame seed for the 2017/18 season. The
very early crop (planted late November/Early December) is at maturity and ready for harvest, the
early crop (planted mid- December) is at podding, the late crop (planted mid- January to mid-
February) is at the early flowering stage, and the very late crop (planted late February) is at the
vegetative stage.
The MELANA project also facilitated a meeting between Reddane and Umzingwane dairy farmers to
discuss potential partnership between the company and the farmers. Another discussion was also
initiated with Better Agriculture. The company highlighted a demand increase for chili on the
international markets. After consultations with members of the irrigation schemes, the project
secured 5 hectares for production of African Birds Eye Chili in Hauke and Nkosikazi irrigation
schemes in Bubi district. The contract between Better Agriculture and MELANA project was signed.
For the piloting of Chia, seed packs were donated by the Chia Company for planting in January and
February. The MELANA project will support the farmers to access niche markets.
4 Local Market Actors(LMAs) Babambangezandla, Hauke irrigation, Bambananimazulu, and Zenzele
groups from Nkayi, Bubi, Umguza and Umzingwane respectively finalised their business proposals.
The MELANA project team reviewed the viability of the proposals which were all based on provision
of grain threshing services (small grains included). A trip for the LMAs was then organised for the
groups to meet the supplier of the threshers and view the thresher in operation. The LMAs have
now made down payments for the threshers and are awaiting delivery.
In the ZVA project, the Asset Management Committee at Mushumbi Crop and Livestock
Improvement Centre (CLIC), has crafted a utilization plan for the CLIC. This involves the crafting of a
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Oakfin Investments, a potential invester and working
partner, intending to collaboratively utilize some of the feedlot pens. Oakfin is currently using the
feedlot for penning animals bought from the community and their intention is to establish a
livestock buying point as well as pen fattening facility in the dry season. Oakfin will provide
feedlotting farmers with a market, stock-feed on credit and technical know- how on market
requirements. More than 300 pen fattening farmers will benefit from the arrangement, with more
than 6000 cattle farmers getting a ready and convenient cattle market at the CLIC(s). Engagements
by livestock association representatives in Kariba district were made with Zim Nyama and MC
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meats who expressed interest in purchasing pen fattened beasts from the Makande area (wards 11
and 12). Negotiations are still underway, but it is envisaged that this will be concluded by end of
April.
ZVA also facilitated market linkages through engagement with other prospective buyers such as TM
PicknPay, Surrey, Exomark Meats, Koala Park, Montana Carsel (MC Meats), Rainham, Ideal Meats
and Belleview Butchery as well as restaurants such as Nhapitapi, African Village, Little Chefs and
Little Mereki. All the above-mentioned buyers expressed keen interest to engage ZRBF project
participants suppliers of various products. To kickstart the pilot, the ZVA project engaged a private
investor who supplied cash for purchasing 50 goats. The project initiated a goat marketing system
centered on weighing and buying at $0.8/kg live mass. A message was sent to farmers in ward 8 to
gather goats at specific buying points. The buyer purchased 21 goats with an average price of $20
being attained as opposed to the average district price of $15 per goat. The highest price attained
was $40 which is a price rarely attained in the district. Of the 7 farmers who sold their goats, 4/7
were men, 2/7 were male youths and only 1 woman. The scaling system taught farmers that to
obtain maximum prices, they needed to improve goat husbandry techniques. Farmers also
appreciated the transparency offered by the weighing system as opposed to traditional systems of
simply judging the value of a goat by eye inspection. Farmer representative organizations are now
demanding compliance of buyers on the use of the weighing system through the Mbire RDC
indicating that the pricing system is fair and offers good return to farmers.
A contract was established by the ZVA project with Rainham Abattoir for slaughtering, storing in
cold rooms and selling goats carcasses at a service fee of $4.50 per goat which was to be paid after
sales. Transporters were engaged and provided transport service at $5 per goat. In addition, the
project organized an auction day on behalf of Montana Meats at two different sites at Mushumbi
dip tank and Chitsungo shops for farmers to bring their cattle to the market. A total of 10 cattle was
sold at Mushumbi with the maximum price pegged at $570 and lowest at $250 benefitting 10 HH.
The fact that groups established and strengthened under the ZVA project are managing to engage
the private sector, articulate issues of concern with clear business knowledge is commendable and
an indication that investment in human capital made under this project is not lost.
The ZVA project also engaged Green Trade, a private company to contract farmers in the
production of Mung Bean, Jugo Bean and Groundnuts. 1272 Farmers (813 women) and (459 men
were contracted by Green Trade
The Sizimele project through HWA-Zimbabwe is in discussion with Afrideli (Pvt) Ltd regarding a
market for Amaranth grain for the 2017-2018 agricultural season. The company has expressed
interest in buying amaranth grain from the farmers. Other inclusive business models have
successfully been rolled out with the following players;
1. Cairns Foods under the Michigan pea bean value chain
2. Klein Karoo under the sugar-bean value chain
The value chains comprise Cairns Foods as the offtake market for Michigan pea beans produced by
farmers in identified irrigation schemes, with Cairns providing the seed under contract farming, a
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financier, Quest providing complimentary inputs such as fertilisers and chemicals on credit to
farmers to ensure quality produce, and Nicoz Diamond providing insurance cover for the crop.
Sizimele identified 30 agro-dealers who were then linked to Klein Karoo (K2). The company has
entered into a consignment stock model arrangement with the agro dealers. Each Agro-dealer is in
custody of $2 800 worth of stock and entitled to a 10% commission after sales.
Farmers from 5 irrigation schemes participated in contract farming arrangements with Seed Co
under the PROGRESS project. A total of 120 hectares which have a potential to produce a yield of
219 tonnes of sugar beans have been put under contract farming. Cairns Foods has shown interest
in growing Michigan pea beans in irrigation schemes in Nyanga and Beitbridge and the project is
finalising the contract arrangements for the selected schemes who will most likely be engaged in
the next quarter.
A number of private sector players in the honey value chain were identified and follow up visits
were done. Some players offered to provide a viable market for the honey production. Sweet
Maungwe Honey offered a minimum of $2.50/kg for raw unprocessed honey while Westale Trading
(Richard Westale) is prepared to buy raw unprocessed honey at $2.60/kg if they collect it from
bulking points in Nyanga. If farmers transport their honey to Harare, they will pay $3.20/kg. The
Private sector players highlighted the need for high volumes as a pre-requisite for them to
sustainably engage and offer a honey market for communities in Nyanga. As a result, the need for a
processing and a bulking centre to meet the market demand is evident. The ECRIMS project in
Mberengwa and Zvishavane initiated engagements with the following private sector companies:
National Organic Produce, Montana-Carswell Meats, K2, Masvingo Food Commodities, Pachezvedu
Cooperative, FC Platinum Catering, VIRL Microfinance and CBZ. Engagements for contracting are
still in progress. Some of the value chains that are in consideration include the following; poultry,
pen fattening, small grains, sugar beans and horticulture.
d) FINANCIAL INCLUSION
The ECRAS project, during the period under review, trained Village Savings and Lending (VSAL)
groups on use of the Eco-cash savings clubs to manage the scarcity of cash. The project engaged
Econet Private Limited for linkage with the VSAL groups in Mwenezi and Chiredzi. VSAL group
members were oriented on Eco-sure Life Assurance and burial societies, Eco-sure individual savings,
Eco-cash individual savings and Eco-cash savings club. Considering the prevailing cash crisis and
security challenges caused by cash handling, members were encouraged to employ the Eco-cash
savings club where VSAL groups can do their normal contribution cycles using the Ecocash platform.
The ECRAS project linked Seed Farmers to Nicoz Diamond Agricultural Insurance. Areas that are
covered by the insurance include hail, windstorm, flooding, straying animals, transit risks, fire, theft
and hail. The insurance premium for these risks is $20 per year. Under the arrangement, K2 will
pay the premium for the farmers under seed multiplication. Farmers were encouraged to register
and insure their crop in case of hazards such as hailstorm, Nicoz Diamond will cover the farmers
and repay the loan to K2.
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Following a cooperative registration training by the then Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises
in the last quarter, Mukunga Producer Group of Chiredzi, ward 4 (8 female, 11male) registered as a
cooperative. The registration has enabled the group to access long term loans from Micro-Finance
Institutions and banks. During the quarter under review, the group obtained a loan of $9395.49
from Success Microfinance in Masvingo. The loan was used to fatten 24 cattle which were sold to
Sabie Meats. The group earned a Gross Income of $12 372.67 and a Net Profit of $2976.16.
The Sizimele project engaged five insurance companies on specific value chains (Michigan bean,
goat, sugar beans) in need of micro-insurance cover as a risk mitigation strategy for smallholder
farming communities. The engaged insurers include Nicoz Diamond, Tristar Insurance, Zing,
Entwide Insurance Brokers and Zimnat Lion Insurance. A total of 124 farmers took up the insurance
products.
In the ECRIMS project, four funeral cash plan products were assessed that are likely to fit into the
rural context. Assessment was mainly done considering three factors namely cost, accessibility in
rural areas and credibility of institution. In addition, meetings were held with VIRL Microfinance
Services, (VIRL) to explore possibilities of financing some value chains in Mberengwa and
Zvishavane, particularly the poultry and beef value chains. Information on likely reach for poultry
value chains was shared.
e) HEALTH/WASH
Sanitation coverage is generally low across Kariba, Binga and Mbire and the thrust for ZVA is to
facilitate establishment of proper sanitation facilities at strategic places with a view to inspire
adoption of these at household level. In this regard, the ZVA project has seen the establishment of
sanitation facilities at institutions to promote good hygiene and reduce open defecation.
CATTLE FATTENING SCHEME PROFITABILITY ANALYSIS
Combined (USD) Per Beast (USD)
Gross Income realised 12,372.67 515.53
Variable Costs -
Feeds 7,200.00 300.00
Vaccines 120.00 5.00
Labour 828.00 34.50
Transport 1,200.00 50.00
Total Variable Costs 9,348.00 389.50
Gross Profit 3,024.67 126.03
Less fixed Costs (vet Fees) 48.00 2.00
Net Profit 2,976.67 124.03
Average price in the ward 323.53
Gain after fattening 165.53
% Gain after Fattening 47%
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Sanitation Facility Construction by the ZVA project
District Number of toilets to be
constructed
Stage of completion
Binga 43/43 squat holes at
nine schools and three
Rural Health Centers
Squat holes were constructed at 9 schools (1461 males & 1415
females benefitting) and 3 Clinics 43548 people benefitting
Kariba 38/61 squat holes at
seven schools and three
Rural Health Centre
The remaining 23 squat holes are at 60% completion at
Kauzhumba, Mola and Makande schools. 18790 people to
benefit from RHC sanitation facilities and 2178 to benefit from
sanitation facilities at schools.
Mbire 74/92 toilets at six
schools
The completed squat holes are benefitting 5 schools with 2147
pupils (1070 males and 1077 females). The remaining 18 squat
holes are at Majongwe school and at 50% completion.
To address the low sanitation coverage in Binga district, four CHCs from Ward 18’s Simbala and
Mpati villages identified and mobilised households without latrines into groups. Each group made
contributions ranging between $4 to $6 per member and raised funds to procure cement and build
“one bag model” upgradable pit latrines at their homesteads. Beneficiary households that did not
have cash had options to pay through other means such as maize grain, chickens, goat, weeding a
field etc. At a cost of about $14 per bag cement, the groups which are composed of not more than
20 members have started procuring cement from local suppliers to build latrines in batches. The
benefiting households provide labour (digging pit, collecting stones, water and sand) and technical
guidance is provided by the local EHT.
The ECRAS project collaborated with the Plan WASH project on the dissemination of advisories on
good hygiene and sanitation practices in wards 1 and 2. During the quarter, 2 soak aways were
constructed (at the main tap and watering trough) at Muchongwe borehole in ward 2 of Mwenezi
district. This investment will help to reduce the muddy condition around the tap and the watering
trough thereby reducing the risk of livestock or human injuries.
In addition, the ECRAS project installed a water conveyance pipe line from the main line to the
livestock watering trough at Muchongwe borehole. The conveyance pipe has improved efficiency in
the drawing of water into the watering trough. Livestock from the surrounding villages (Zvihwa and
Chikwalakwala) is now benefitting significantly from the borehole. Young men who have the
responsibility of herding and watering cattle no longer have the burden of carrying buckets of water
to the watering trough as a tap was installed at the site of the trough. Installation of the water
conveyance system was also done at Muzezegwa dam to enable project participants to utilize the
collected water for garden irrigation purposes and for cattle. During the time of the visit, the dam
was 100% full due to the rains that were received during the quarter.
In the ECRAS project, three (3) toilets were under construction at 3 Nutritional garden sites to
promote good sanitation practices and prevent diarrheal disease outbreaks at the gardens.
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In a bid to strengthen grassroots extension systems, ZVA facilitated the training of 80 (32M/48F)
village health workers (VHWs) in Malaria Community Case Management (MCCM) and Infant and
Young Child Feeding (IYCF) in 2016. The trained VHWs are still very active and during the reporting
quarter they were actively involved in the provision of health education at community gatherings
and trainings at CLIC sites. VHWs in Kariba district were instrumental in responding to the Malaria
outbreak by testing suspected cases, referring complicated cases to rural health centers,
conducting indoor residual spraying and distributing treated mosquito nets. Since the beginning of
the Malaria season, trained VHWs have reached 960/1200 HH in Kariba.
VHWs in Mbire have been actively involved in screening of malnourished children as well as
supporting pregnant women in wards 3, 9, 10, 12 and 17 which are regarded as high-risk for
malnutrition in the district. The VHWs screened 2590 Under 5s (1424F, 1166M) and of these, 2
female children were found to be have moderate acute malnutrition and were referred to the local
health center for further management. Fifty-three (53) pregnant women were provided with Iron
and Folate during the screening process. As a result, trained VHWs decided to form IYCF groups in
each of the 17 wards and trained 186 facilitators (179F, 7M) to spearhead issues of malnutrition
and encourage good infant feeding practices. These groups work in collaboration with VHWs,
Community Health Clubs and report to the Ward Resilience Committee any issues identified and
addressed within any given period.
The project also aimed to further strengthen grassroots institutions through establishment of
Community Health Clubs. These create a platform for communities to learn more about good
health, sanitation and hygiene practices as well as discuss any other social issues that hinder
resilience building. Eight out of a target of eight (8/8) CHCs were established in Mbire during the
quarter under review with support from the MoHCC. The clubs comprised of 101M and125F. The
project collaborated with World Vision International on this intervention and the latter provided
200 health club membership cards for the cause.
To date, ZVA has facilitated strengthening of 5/10 CHCs and 2/2 School Health Clubs (SHC) in Kariba
district and these have played a key role in improving hygiene practices within the community and
in schools. Of note is Negande Secondary School SHC which approached Carbon Green during the
quarter under review and requested them to set up a water reservoir at the school. In response, a
1000-liter tank was procured by Carbon Green and mounted close to the ablution facilities to
improve accessibility and promote handwashing. At Mamvuramachena Secondary School, the SHC
members are periodically given time to share knowledge with the other non-health club members
during assembly times. During the quarter the health club members showcased the 10-step hand
washing process with the other school pupils.
The ZVA project facilitated the training of 93 community health clubs (22M, 71F) facilitators in
Binga district in 2017 and each of them went on to strengthen health club activities in their
respective wards. A few of these clubs managed to do outreach activities despite competing
agricultural activities. In response to the Cholera scare in neighboring Zambia and Kariba, CHCs
from wards 6 and 7 conducted a Refuse-pit campaign over a period of one week and reached out to
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20HH (all 20 are MHH) out of a targeted 85HH. Additionally, Health education sessions were
conducted in Ward 6 reaching out to 200 project participants (20M, 180F) with primary emphasis
on good hygiene to prevent Cholera.
It is clear from the work being done by trained VHWs that there is value in investing in grassroots
community institutions. It reduces overreliance on government technical departments which are
often understaffed and under-resourced. Also noteworthy is the realization by project participants
to address their own challenges and map a way forward without donor assistance. This was
demonstrated by the CHCs in Binga by coming up with low-cost and high impact initiative of latrine
construction. Communities are now more responsive to crises that befall them and putting in place
preventative measures to improve preparedness. ZVA plans to encourage other CHCs both in Binga
and other districts to follow suit to eliminate open defecation which contributes to the spread of
diarrheal diseases.
f) AGRICULTURE PRODUCTION AND PRODUCTIVITY
i. Capacity Building/Training
Grantees conducted a number of trainings that covered various aspects of agriculture productivity
and production. Several training strategies were used, including classroom training, farmer field
schools, demonstrations, visits to processing facilities and look and learn visits. The ZRBF projects
conducted about 77 trainings of lead farmers, communities and government departments. 18
Training of Trainers were conducted across ZRBF targeted districts and 59 training of farmers were
also facilitated by the ZRBF programme within the quarter. Apart from farmers, the trainings also
targeted other stakeholders from relevant government departments such as Agritex, Department
of Civil Protection etc. The trainings focused on different thematic areas such as fodder
preservation, poultry, climate smart agriculture, gender, bee keeping, entrepreneurship, insurance,
just to mention a few.
ii. Demonstration plots
Under the PROGRESS project, as part of livestock feed improvement, demonstration plots were
established at three irrigation schemes (River ranch, Shashe and Jalukange) in Beitbridge. Lablab
was intercropped with maize at River Ranch irrigation scheme on an area which is less than 0.1
hectares. At Jalukange and Shashe schemes, bana grass, velvet bean (mucuna) and lablab were in
each scheme planted on an area covering 0.6 hectares. In addition, ten on-farm sugar bean
demonstration plots were set up. These plots compared sugar bean crop establishment using
mechanized Conservation Agriculture (CA) to conventional tillage systems. Planting using the
conventional tillage system took 45 minutes per plot with 4 people and a span of two oxen, while
using mechanized CA took only 7 minutes with one person. Mechanized CA cost a quarter of the
cost of conventional tillage systems, as all operations -- ploughing, discing, planting, and applying
fertilizer – could be done in the same round. Mechanized CA also causes minimum disturbance to
the soil thereby reducing soil erosion which is a common feature among small holder farmers
especially in Nyanga where fields are on sloppy lands.
27
The MELANA project continued to train farmers using the 87 demonstration plots that were
established during the last quarter to show-case crop diversity. The crop diversity demonstration
plots show case and promote resilience through planting different varieties of crops: legume,
cereal, cash crop and small grains. Farmers are trained through monthly infield trainings. Key to the
reporting quarter’s training was the reviewing of crop performance against multiple hazards. In this
case all crops in demonstration plots were reviewed for their performance against drought as well
as pests and diseases. Some of the findings were that while small grains have always presented a
challenge compared to maize when it comes to bird scaring, FAW is a new pest which is even more
difficult to control compared to maize. Farmers found that this puts small grains at an advantage
because they are also more drought tolerant.
Distribution of crop diversity demonstration plots in the MELANA project
Type Demonstration Number
1 Short Season Maize Variety + Sesame + Cowpea + Pearl Millet 15
2 QPM + Sesame + Cowpea + Pearl Millet 15
3 Sorghum + QPM + Sesame + Cowpea 9
4 Sorghum + Short Season Maize Variety + Sesame + Cowpea 8
5 QPM + Short Season Maize Variety + Sorghum + Pearl Millet + Sesame 10
6 Sesame 30
MELANA has introduced a new crop, ie Chia. (Salvia hispanica). Demonstration plots were
established during the last quarter to assess the crop performance and to introduce farmers to the
crop. In the Sizimele project, fifty-seven demo plots were established for year one with 40% of
them performing well while and the other 60% were written off because of long dry spell
experienced in the first half of the season. An additional 48 amaranth demonstration plots were
established.
In the BRACT project, a total of 381 lead farmers were identified in Mutoko, (194 male and 187
female) and for Mudzi a total of 370, (157 male and 213 female). Each lead farmer is expected to
host a demonstration plot and or field school that will serve as a learning centre for farmers in their
catchment areas). The project is making use of the ToT approach in order to reach out to a greater
number of farmers. Project extension staff, AGRITEX officers as well as lead farmers were trained in
order to reach out to all the target beneficiaries. Each lead farmer will be working with at least 20
farmers for maximum effectiveness of trainings. Lead farmers were trained on poultry production
and Farming as a Business (FAAB)
Conservation farming demonstration plots in the BRACT project have shown that where maize is
planted in adjacent fields with sorghum and rapoko, fall army worm tends to prefer attacking maize
and stay clear of the sorghum and rapoko. This interesting observation may provide additional
knowledge on managing crop losses from fall army worm and can be a good additional incentive for
smallholder farmers to increase adoption of drought tolerant (and now less susceptible to fall army
worm attack) sorghum and millet.
28
In the ECRAS project, two farmers per ward were targeted as demonstration sites for silage making,
these were expected to cascade the same training to other farmers using the farmer field school
approach. Each of the farmers produced 200kg of silage using maize crop that had been written off.
Silage making will help farmers improve their livestock nutrition, avoiding livestock wasting and
poverty deaths during the dry season(August-November).
iii. Input distribution
The ECRIMS project distributed inputs to a total of 670 farmers (286 female and 384 male) for sugar
bean production. Each farmer received 10kg sugar bean seed and 25kg Compound D fertiliser
enough to plant 0.1ha. This is on a contract basis and upon harvest farmers will repay in seed to at
least 10 farmers with each farmer receiving 2kg.
Field Days
To promote adoption of commercial small grain production, field days facilitated by commodity
associations were conducted by the ZVA project in Mbire and Kariba. Farmers received information
on farming as a business, understanding market requirements and the importance of produce
aggregation in farmer groups. To promote small grain production, conservation agriculture, raise
awareness on nutritional benefits of small grains and appreciation of farming as a business, 27 (7M,
20F) students attended the event in company of 2 teachers (1M, 1F) from Kudzanai Secondary
School. Field days for Binga district were scheduled for the first week of April 2018.
The ECRAS staff and 4 farmer representatives (2 from Mwenezi) and 2 from Chiredzi participated in
a Cattle Field Day hosted by MC Meats in Masvingo. The field day showcased cattle produced under
pen fattening and how smallholder farmers can improve their herds to meet the super grade.
Farmers were taken through low cost silage making using sweet sorghum variety. The project will
invite MC to train farmers at ward level during the next quarter.
Commodity Associations
ZVA established (27/27) and strengthened (18/18) commodity associations across the 3 districts to
promote farmer organization and increase their bargaining power, reduce transaction and search
costs which hinder market penetration. Of interest are goat breeding groups in Mbire ward 3 and 9
(comprised of 20 women each) which have incorporated an ISAL component and have been
demanding trainings from government technical departments on various aspects such as business
and marketing skills. As a result, the department of Small to Medium Enterprises is currently
processing their request to be registered as a cooperative which will further open doors for funding
and/ or technical assistance. The groups developed a schedule for their leadership to visit the
information kiosk on a weekly basis to conduct research and download information which is later
shared with the rest of group members.
Another group of 8 women from Binga wards 4, 6, 17, 18 and 19 was noted to have engaged in
sorghum seed multiplication on a commercial scale. At present, the crop covers 1.8Ha and field
days have been facilitated by the group to encourage their peers to engage in sorghum production,
indicating its hardiness and resistance to drought.
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b) CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION
The ZRBF projects implemented several climate smart agriculture interventions. In the ECRAS
project, model household farmers up-scaled their production of small grains and fodder by
increasing the land sizes from 0.1ha to an average of 0.2ha under sorghum, pearl millet and velvet
bean, compared to the 2016/2017 agricultural season. Despite the moisture stress, small grains
were in a better condition compared to maize and the project took this as an opportunity to
effectively demonstrate to communities the need to embrace small grains production for their
resilience building. Monitoring visits also revealed that fodder production is increasingly showing
impact to the communities. One of the female model household in Mwenezi managed to buy a cow
at $400 through sale of 201kg velvet bean seed from a 0.1ha plot that was supported by the project
during the 2016/2017 agricultural season. Farmers who were trained in silage making produced
200kg of silage using maize crop that had been written off. Silage making will help farmers improve
their livestock nutrition, avoiding livestock wasting and poverty deaths during the dry
season(August-November).
The introduction of the Kalahari bucks is expected to significantly improve the goat breeds size
translating to increased income from sale of more meat. A total of 64 kids (28 Male and 36 Female)
were recorded in Chiredzi and Mwenezi. A total of 106 sorghum seed producers (28 Male and 78
Female) from Chiredzi (15 male and 32 female) and Mwenezi (13 male and 46 female) were trained
on seed inspection and certification. The training was facilitated by officers from the Department
of Seed Services and ICRISAT Gene Bank at Dendere and Manhumamwe irrigation schemes in
Chiredzi and Mwenezi respectively. The training equipped farmers with rules and regulations that
must be met by the farmers for full seed certification. Through sorghum seed production, farmers
are involved in value chain development of the lucrative seed market and are guaranteed of
improved access to small grains locally.
The project adopted an integrated crop and aquaculture approach that improves farmers’ food and
nutrition security. Fish feed was procured by the project for the fish farming projects. Following the
training, fish ponds at Musaverima and Manhumamwe irrigation schemes in Mwenezi as well as
Nyangambe in Chiredzi were stocked with fingerlings as summarised in the table below.
Fish Pond Stocking Summary
District Fingerlings
stocked
Total
Beneficiaries
Male Beneficiaries Female Beneficiaries
Chiredzi 7500 50 39 11
Mwenezi 8500 66 24 42
The project stocking of fish and feed is on a 100% cost recovery basis and farmers are expected to
payback the cost of the inputs.
In the ZVA project, 565 cattle were inseminated last year. A sample of 407 cattle underwent
pregnancy diagnostics and 278 had been confirmed to be in calf. (67% conception rate). From
these, a total of 99 calves have since been delivered to date. It is however important to note that
these are preliminary results as some animals are yet to deliver.
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The second phase of AI that is targeting 1,250 cows/heifers to be inseminated in the three districts
commenced in Mbire and Binga districts during the quarter under review where a total of 307
cows/heifers were heat synchronized. (Mbire 164, Binga,143). AI preparations and mobilization
have already been done in Kariba district. Farmers are expected to pay $20 per cow/heifer to be
inseminated and proceeds realized would go towards purchase of more consumables such as
semen and hormones for future AI activities. It has been noted that farmers across the 3 districts
were quite impressed with the results of the AI intervention. When it was introduced, some did not
believe that the technology would yield any results. Resultantly, there are farmers under the ZVA
project such as a group from Majinga ward 4 of Mbire, that have approached ABS TCM, ZVA’s
private sector partner on livestock, to request for jersey semen because the offspring will have
improved carcass weight and quality and will further assist to address nutritional challenges in the
district through enhanced milk production. This demonstrates increased uptake of the technology
and appreciation by farmers which the project seeks to achieve in eliminating inbreeding and
increasing herd size and quality.
A total of 10 farmers (4 M, 6F) volunteered to establish fodder demo plots at their households after
obtaining an appreciation of drought resistant Fodder and its benefits to livestock.
Eight cattle feedlots were established in Binga, Kariba and Mbire districts. Water and feed troughs
were completed at CLICs sites. The ZVA project assisted a group of farmers from Chuuzya with
feeds for pen fattening in 2017. The initial pen fattening group had 9 members (7men, 2 women)
and these were the only early adopters given that most farmers in Binga were still skeptical and did
not have clear appreciation of pen fattening. The number has however increased to 19 males and
10 females due to increased appreciation of pen fattening and the opportunity it offers. During the
quarter, it was noted that two (2) of the initial pen fattening beneficiaries bought 5 cattle each and
await fattening and selling in winter when market prices improve. Proceeds from the first round of
pen fattening were used for purchase of agricultural inputs, payment of school fees and medical
bills, providing a resilience cushion for these project participants and opening an opportunity for
income generation.
The ZVA project in Binga and Kariba is facilitating breed improvement in goats, with technical back
stopping by ABS by introducing genetically superior and locally adapted bucks for greater
productivity. To date, 31 kids have been dropped (17 males and 14 females. Some of the serviced
does are still expecting and yet to drop any kids. Binga on the other hand received 120 goats in
2017, benefitting 76 MHH, 129 FHH and 207 Youths. To date, 514 kids have been delivered to
serviced does (265 males and 249 females). Bucks continue to service as communities continue to
rotate supplying the buck with does.
Of interest is the Gondwe goat group in Zyakamana village, Ward 21 of Binga comprised of 4 men
and 9 women, 3 youths and 1 person living with a disability. From the bucks issued, the group has
recorded 28 kids to date (21males and 7 females). To address issues of access to finance, they have
an ISAL group from which they all borrow at 10% rate of interest. It was noted at the time of
reporting that the group had $50 cash in savings. Funds from the ISAL group have cushioned them
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against stresses such as diseases as they used the funds to purchase drugs for their livestock and
purchased a Vet Kit with equipment for castrating male offspring which will be sold off to avoid
inbreeding. The vet kit also contained drugs which have been used in managing goat diseases
during the period under review.
Proceeds from sales will be used to purchase more she goats for breed improvement and income
generation. To date, the group has also purchased 3 additional she-goats from the local market to
increase their flock. The project has also been instrumental in promoting standard animal housing
structures and to date a total of 120 households across the 18 wards have constructed model goat
pens and paravets are continually mobilizing farmers to follow suit. As a spin off enterprise, the
Gondwe group has also embarked on a poultry project to diversify their income sources. It was
indicated that they currently have 12 birds in their communally owned fowl run.
In the reporting period, 133 out of a target of 135 groups (mobilised in 2017) continued to be
trained by the MELANA project in four different thematic areas: small livestock, Linking Agriculture
Natural Resource Management and Nutrition (LANN), crops, and ISALs. During the reporting period
the main activities were as follows; Wrapping up training for the 1st Cohort of households (2224
Beneficiaries), disbursement of subsidies for the first cohort of households (60% of the households
have received their subsidies), mobilising the second cohort of households with a target of 3000
households and training the Second Cohort of Households
In the Sizimele project, lead farmers cascaded trainings on climate smart agriculture to 2812
farmers. The Sizimele project Intercropping and conservation were among other climate smart
principal mechanisms promoted in the three districts of Matobo, Lupane and Insiza. Agritex
extension staff in all 57 wards encouraged farmers to replant small grains early January following
poor germination that characterised the first half of the season. In addition, 88 farmers (31 females
and 57 males) para vets were trained on chicken and guinea fowls husbandry at Jotsholo (Lupane).
Fifty conservation-farming rippers were distributed to 57 lead farmers in Q2.
The Amaranth crop has been grown in two wards per district with 48 demonstration plots being
targeted. 10% of the crop faced germination challenges due to prolonged dry spells and persistent
rains, in some cases it had to be replanted several times while in some the planting was very late
due to insufficient moisture caused by erratic rains. Despite the challenges, the crop is now at
maturity stage in about 90% of the demonstration plots. Tarpaulins have been distributed to
demonstration plot farmers for harvesting. The amaranth crop has proved to be drought tolerant
and more farmers are eager to grow it in the next farming season
In the PROGRESS project, detailed specifications for at least 30 low cost drip kits, 30 small maize
shellers (with petrol engines) and fifteen 2-wheel tractor drawn trailers were formulated and the
procurement process initiated during the quarter under review. The drip kits and small shellers will
be deployed in the next quarter in time for post-harvest handling processes. The shelling season
starts in May for rain fed farmers and the equipment will be in place by then. The use and adoption
of these shellers is expected to increase income for the service providers as well as significantly
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save on time spent by farmers shelling maize as the sheller has a capacity to shell 8 tonnes in one
day, giving them extra time to work on other household chores. This will also help reduce post-
harvest losses which farmers have often suffered while using traditional shelling methods as their
maize in the past would get affected by moths and other pests. The use of the shellers will result in
increased income and food security for both the farmers and service providers thus leading to
resilience building which is the overall goal of the innovation ideas.
In Beitbridge, cattle handling points for the preparation of the communal artificial insemination
program were identified and mapped within the district. At least two sites were selected per ward,
one for handling and the other for keeping the animals during the nine days that require close
monitoring.
The BRACT project is promoting small livestock production, with a focus on indigenous poultry and
goats. Farmers were trained on the recommended housing structures for poultry production with
focus on indigenous poultry. Trained participants are now equipped on hay box brooder and
separation of chicks from the hen as chick rearing management. The project is also promoting the
production of small grains and legumes. Farmers were trained on the functions of different
nutrients that are available to the crops. Farmers were also encouraged to use integrated pest
management (IPM) which involves crop rotation, use of treated and resistant cultivars, early
weeding and natural pest control. The CA trainings were conducted so as to enlighten the farmers
on good agronomic practices which will enhance crop growth and maintain good crop stand not
only on demonstration plots but also in farmers’ individual fields.
BRACT project is building on the efforts of the Forestry Commission to empower communities on
forests conservation. The project managed to build on these efforts and strengthen the
establishment of nurseries and planting of trees through supplying of agro-forestry seed and
seedlings. The project is targeting households encouraging growing of agro-forestry trees with
multiple purposes. The targeted species help in improving soil fertility, feed livestock, provide fruits,
live fencing, and firewood as well as for marketing purposes. A total of 1060 seeds have been
distributed for nursery production and a total 240 trees have been planted in Mudzi district to date.
The ECRIMS project conducted climate smart training reaching out to a total of 1, 481 farmers (649
male and 832 female). The trainings mainly focused on building farmer capacity on good
agricultural practices (including weed, pest and disease control, seed quality maintenance). These
trainings also covered management and control of FAW. The trainings capacitated farmers and
extension staff, and helped in the control of pests and diseases, building capacity of farmers on
appropriate varieties that provide better yields in Mberengwa and Zvishavane climatic conditions.
The ECRIMS project also conducted Training of Trainers (ToTs) on Fodder preservation and
utilisation and Holistic Livestock management. This training targeted all AGRITEX Crop and Livestock
officers together with their supervisors in both Mberengwa and Zvishavane districts. The training
capacitated the AGRITEX staff on fodder crops preservation methods which include hay and silage
making and urea treatment and holistic livestock management systems. The project is working
towards revival of feedlots in rural communities as a resilience building alternative. Preliminary
33
findings from CAAP sessions revealed that the beef value chain is lucrative and a better option for
some communities in the 2 districts of operation.
c) INCREASED ASSET ACCUMULATION
i. Productive Assets
The ZVA project seeks to improve access to water for agriculture and domestic use and this was
achieved through establishing weir dams in Binga and Kariba districts. Matete weir dam in Binga
district serves an estimated 1731HH/ 8655 project participant. It also serves 2 dip tanks namely
Buse dip tank for Kabuba ward 17 and Kokoloza dip tank for Sinamagonde ward 21. Project
participants indicated that prior to dam construction, their livestock would trek distances as far as
13km one way to the nearest water source. Some youths interviewed by ZVA project officers
revealed that they had to forgo job seeking to tend to their livestock as it was a time-consuming
activity. Further, given that livestock poverty deaths had been recorded in the past, beneficiaries
are hopeful that they will not encounter similar problems in the future. Beneficiaries interviewed
also indicated that they practiced water harvesting techniques during the wet spell experienced in
February and some of their crops have done well as a result.
The community in Makande of Kariba district requested the ZVA project to assist them in extending
their dam wall height by an additional 2 meters. This came after the community realized that a weir
dam has immense potential which can be harnessed for creation of income generating activities.
Although the initially planned 5/5 steps were complete, community members are now working to
extend the wall. Work on the extension of the dam wall at Mutorahuku weir in Kariba ward 12 was
done during the reporting quarter. At the time of reporting, the dam was 90% full and supported at
least 350households (227MHH; 123FHH)/ 1,750 beneficiaries of which 34% are youth.
To address the problems of malnutrition in the targeted districts, ZVA established 3/4 Community
Nutrition Centers (CNCs), one in Kariba and two in Mbire. Hwamira CNC in Kariba derives water
from Mutorahuku weir dam while Kuwirirana and Kadzi Bonga CNCs in Mbire are irrigated by
boreholes. All three CNCs are now functional and reaching out to 165 HH (92FHH, 73MHH) and 361
children under the age of 5. The Binga CNC is now under construction as the land dispute is now
resolved, currently at 10%.
It was noted by project participants in Kariba district that vegetable production is an extremely
profitable enterprise given that communities often travelled as far as Gokwe to purchase
vegetables. In addition, humanitarian assistance projects only provide cereal, vegetable oil and
pulses, thus consumption of vegetables was in the past only limited to those residing close to a
water source. This intervention comes in to complement other initiatives that do not provide for
this nutritional gap.
The ZVA established 6 Crop and Livestock Innovation Centers (CLICs) in Binga, Mbire and Kariba
districts (2 in each district) to create a learning center, a place where community members obtain
knowledge on various climate smart technologies and livelihood options that are adoptable at
household level. Most key structures in Binga, Mbire and Kariba have been or are nearly
34
completed, the table below summarizes the completion rates. The communities with assistance
from extension workers have established demonstration plots on maize, butternut, cowpeas and
sugar beans and velvet bean for fodder crops. Chicken brooder and feedlot are now 80% complete
with roofing as well as troughs being outstanding. The CLIC in Mbire is now being used as a training
venue for agricultural related initiatives and the site has hosted visitors from local stakeholders
such as women’s affairs, business community, development partners who were assessing potential
areas for collaborations. The community with assistance from extension workers established
tomato and butternut demos as well as lab and velvet bean for fodder crops. Key structures that
have been completed include seedbank and toilets. Chicken brooder is at 80% and left with fencing
and flooring. The site managed to establish demonstration plots for butternut and tomatoes.
Currently the site is hosting community trainings being spearheaded by Agritex and Vet.
Kariba Latrines, feeding and water troughs for both goat and cattle feedlots, construction of latrines at the CLIC.
100%
Seedbank, goat pens, chicken brooder 80% key works such as roofing, plastering and painting outstanding
Seed bank 85% key works that are left include plastering and painting which will be completed by end of April 2018
Binga Seedbank, chicken brooder, toilets, seedbank, latrines
100%
Cattle feedlot 96% Construction of the loading ramp and gates but structure can be used as is.
Goat pens 50% Final touches expected to be completed by end of April 2018
Mbire Seedbank, chicken brooder and toilets 100%
Goat pens and cattle feedlots 90% roofing, troughs, gates and painting of metal tubes to be done and completed by end of April 2018.
Under the Sizimele project, Mihlo dam rehabilitation was completed successfully in January in
Matobo district and the dam collected water during the February to March rains and is estimated
to be 30% full. The water holding capacity of the dam is 800,000m3. Mihlo dam community
members are currently working on the catchment conservation. An assessment of Maduna Dam in
Ward 4 Insiza District was conducted, and the dam is now under rehabilitation. Lake Alice dam is
situated in the eastern part of Lupane District. The dam was close to overtopping after heavy rains
35
last year and therefore in urgent need of repair and restoration and prioritised as such by the
Lupane Rural District Council.
Sizimele has started rehabilitation of three feedlots in Matobo district (Tshelanyemba and
Sigangatsha and Mbembeswana). The farmers from Tshelanyemba and Sigangatsha have been
linked to Success financial institution and now organizing themselves for access to finance.
Construction of two feedlots has started in ward 4 and 7 of Insiza district. Building materials were
delivered to the sites and farmers have started working on constructing the pens.
In the PROGRESS project, the rehabilitation of irrigation infrastructure will start next quarter. UNDP
has approved a revised budget and technical amendment to the contract. These changes on the
irrigation development component, have been necessitated by the fact that the Chikwarakwara
scheme has been adopted by the IFAD program, which meant that PROGRESS had to re-plan and
revise the budget to allocate the resources to other schemes.
Two learning visits were conducted to enable farmers from newly adopted irrigation schemes
(Kwalu and Dombolidenje Irrigation Schemes) to learn from Shashe irrigation scheme farmers who
have prior experience working on contract farming with the business partner (SEED.CO). A total of
16 participants, 8 farmers and 2 extension officers from Kwalu and 5 farmers and 1 extension
officer from Dombolidenje irrigation schemes visited Shashe and had the opportunity to see the
developments and had an opportunity to discuss peer-to-peer about the practices promoted at
Shashe as well as embrace the long-term vision of citrus production.
Below is an update of infrastructure projects in the MELANA project
District Infrastructure Status
Nkayi Fencing of Fanisoni Irrigation Scheme to prevent wildlife invasions 75% Complete
Construction of 3 dip tanks 95% Complete
1 gulley reclamation (gulley threatens business centre, clinic, etc.) 50% Complete
Khenani Seed Bank 50% Complete
Bubi 1 Animal Health Centre 70% Complete
Rehabilitation of 2 dip tanks Malcome and Redcliff 70% Complete
Umguza Mfanyana piped water scheme comprising dip tank, borehole and
irrigation garden
40% Complete
1 sales pen 25% Complete
Umzingwane 2 irrigation schemes 25% Complete
4 dip tanks 85% Complete
d) COMMUNITY SAFETY NETS/ENHANCED LIVELIHOODS
i. Village Savings and Lending groups (VSALs)
Twenty-four VSAL groups (22 Mwenezi, 2 Chiredzi) were formed during the quarter against target
of 20 groups (120%). For Mwenezi, the total cumulative savings amounted to USD$35311.56. For
Chiredzi, the total cumulative savings were USD$24 578.18 and ZAR 36 135 since the groups started
a new cycle in January 2018. The savings steadily increased despite the prevailing cash crisis which
36
shows a positive adaptation to the prevailing cash situation. All the groups monitored indicated
that they have embraced the use of electronic money and are coping well. Benefits accrued by the
end of the reporting period included the ability to have a fall back in times of need especially for
women who make up the majority of these participants.
The total number of VSAL groups that have invested in livestock increased from 81 in the last
quarter to 124 (Chiredzi 51, Mwenezi 73); which is a 53% increase. As part of the leave no one
behind concept, the project facilitated a training of 7 VSAL groups made up of 54 community
members (10 male, 44 female) in ward 16 of Mwenezi. The groups were trained on VSAL and Asset
based saving. The trained groups indicated that they were saving towards the purchase of goats
and construction of a feedlot.
In the Sizimele project, a total of 168 ISAL groups were identified and undergoing pre-screening
using the Group Maturity Index tool to select those that have economic focus rather than social
thrust and have reached a level of Maturity to be referred to financial service providers for access
to finance. Collaboration with Hand in Hand in Lupane district enabled swift identification of
groups to be linked to financiers, insurers and markets.
In collaboration with Ecosave, Sizimele trained different community-based savings and loans groups
on the Ecosave-ecocash platform, which is an ICT based solution offering joint custody of group
funds saved in a group ecocash account. The Ecosave training module is thus being shared with all
commodity groups for possible adoption.
In the ECRAS project, training of trainers for VSALs was done for both Mberengwa and Zvishavane
districts. A total of 398 VSAL groups were newly formed while 204 were revived making a total of
602 functional groups. This is 40% of the Life of Project target. From the total groups formed, there
are a total of 3,750 project participants. A total of 3,216 (86%) are female and 534 (14%) are male.
A total of 780 are female youths and 169 are male youths making a total of 949 (25%) youths.
As part of building the communities’ ability to manage financial risk, the PROGRESS project in
partnership with the Ministry of Women and Youth Affairs managed to train VSAL groups from 5
out of the 14 operational wards in Beitbridge district. (All wards in Nyanga were trained during Q2.)
These were attended by 139 people (113 female & 26 males). Monitoring and support of VSAL
groups formed in Nyanga is also underway and to date the 67 groups formed in Nyanga have a total
portfolio of $23,902.
Under the BRACT project, in partnership with the district officer from Ministry of Youth and Women
Affairs ISAL training was conducted to capacitate and strengthen existing and establish new ISAL
groups. 1,307 beneficiaries (1,058 females and 249 males) were trained in Mutoko and Mudzi.
ii. Social Funds/ Safety nets
In the ECRAS project, during the quarter, 169 community members (29 male, 140 female)
established social fund at one (1) cluster in Mwenezi. Social fund is meant to cushion the VSL
members during times of difficulties or emergency e.g. funeral. The members are contributing an
average of $1 per member. The groups mainly utilised the social fund in times of bereavement and
37
sickness among other shocks and stresses at household or community level. During the reporting
period social fund members grew from 169 in the previous month to 224 members (35 male and
189 female). Communities continued to appreciate this concept as demonstrated by the increase in
number of members joining. The groups reportedly found the social funds to be very useful as it
will assist them in times of emergencies.
iii. Entrepreneurship development
The ZVA project supports vocational training activities targeting youth of both genders based on
need across the three districts. Need assessment exercises for vocational training courses were
conducted in collaboration with the Ministries of Gender and Youth to ensure that the courses
offered are not only based on demand but useful in creating income generating opportunities and
resilience building. Commendable is the fact that some trained project participants have already
started putting their skills to use and generating a sizeable income. Amson Sandauka and Jealous
Madyavanhu from Mbire revealed that they have each built more than 10 houses, kitchens, toilets
and fuel-efficient stoves since receiving training. Their neighbors and fellow community members
have developed confidence in them and constantly engage or recommend them in doing
construction work. They now earn an average of $200 - $250 per month through building ventures
compared to the period prior to receiving training in which they would earn at most $50 a month.
Similarly, Derick Kashaya from ward 9 in Mbire manufactured 6 window frames and 3-wheel
burrows and opened a workshop at Mushumbi Growth Point after receiving training in welding and
metal sheet fabrication. He indicated that before the training he could get a monthly income of $90
but after training, he diversified his products and now has the skill to produce good wares and his
income has even quadrupled to about $400 per month.
Groups of beneficiaries from Mutorahuku weir realized an opportunity to engage in bee keeping at
the weir dam site for honey production and approached the ZVA project for assistance. The project
supported their plans by procuring 10 Kenyan Top Bar Bee Hives (KTBBH) and facilitating trainings
on Bee Keeping and Business Skills to 37 men who formed 3 groups. Trainings were administered
through the Ministries of Youth and SMEs. The bee hives have capacity to handle 30litres each of
processed honey per cycle and farmers are expecting to harvest 2 cycles this year.
Another spin off activity from Mutorahuku weir dam is fish farming which was identified by project
participants as a major income generating opportunity that they could take advantage of. In
support, the ZVA project procured fish farming fingerlings and starter packs for fish production at
the weir dam. The farmers are to start with 5000 fingerlings sourced from Lake Harvest at $50 per
1000 fish. A fish committee was put in place for oversight and sustainability comprising of 7
members (3M, 4F). A total of 60 HH are set to benefit from this initiative.
Fish farming and apiculture are community led initiatives that have emerged through appreciation
of the resilience concept i.e. to harness the potential of productive assets with a view to improving
rural livelihoods. Further, the nature of the selected interventions demonstrates an appreciation for
diversifying livelihood sources from crop production and livestock rearing which is a key aspect in
enhancing the adaptive capacity of at-risk populations.
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The MELANA project focused on the following activities during the reporting quarter: continued
mobilization and recruitment of youths for entrepreneurship trainings, with the project reaching its
target numbers (750) and Youth mentorship sessions. A total of 543 participants from different
youth groups were trained in the four districts. The training topics included the following:
Entrepreneurship, Group Development, Money Management, Business Planning, Marketing,
Record Keeping, Costing and Pricing, and Buying and Selling. Five groups were selected for
mentorship. These are groups who have been identified with potential for expansion and to access
loans and who can gain from improvement in product quality.
In the Sizimele project, a total of 28 builders and 6 Agritex Officers were trained in the construction
of the improved granary and entrepreneurship over a six-day period. The training entailed both
theory and practical sessions. The practical session saw three granaries being completed in ward 14
(Menyezwa ward) in Lupane District, ward 16 (Amazon ward) in Insiza District and ward 3 in
Matobo district. The builders have started the construction of 27 improved model granaries in
Lupane, Matobo and Insiza districts after which they will continue on a need basis thereby
generating regular income. Facilitators who underwent the ToT on Entrepreneurship trained 652
(289 male and 363 female) youth on entrepreneurship. Cumulatively 799 entrepreneurs have been
trained against a project target of 750. The 799-trained entrepreneurs will submit business plans by
end of April and the plans will be assessed through site visits to shortlist competitor for the youth
Business Challenge Fund. The 31 farmers from ward 10 who were trained in mushroom production
in the last quarter are now harvesting mushrooms 3 times a day, have so far realized $300 from
their sales, and are now working on sourcing their own mushroom spawn for them to continue
producing.
In order to promote NTFP enterprises, ten meetings were held by the PROGRESS project. This
resulted in the establishment of 10 Innovation Platforms (5 in Nyanga and 5 in Beitbridge) during
the quarter. The main purpose of the meetings was to facilitate the identification of not only
preferred but viable NTFPs enterprises which project participants prefer as well as to facilitate the
formation of village-based producer groups and selection of committees to help run them.
For the promotion of bee keeping enterprises, the identification of a potential honey processing
and bulking centre was done, and the best option was Chiningu at Charamba Centre in Ward 19 in
Nyanga. The structure is 70% complete and was constructed by the community with the assistance
of Environment Africa through the Big Lottery Fund. The community and the RDC have requested
the project for assistance to complete the centre and help equip it whilst they provide locally
available resources and unskilled labour as part of community contribution.
In the ZVA project, youths expressed keen interest in the pulverizer, indicating that they have no
livestock of their own and thus view feed production as a viable income generating activity
particularly for farmers practicing pen fattening. ZVA thus encouraged them to do so and indicated
that the project will support initiatives of that nature as they build the adaptive capacity of
communities.
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The BRACT project facilitated trainings on Generating your Business Idea (GYB) for 580 young
women and men. Participants expressed interest in the following trades: building, carpentry,
welding, auto electrics, dressmaking, baking, building, food processing, stock feed processing. It
was also interesting to note that the trades that the Community Leadership Meeting identified as
gaps were not the same as that selected by the young people. The project is also providing
Entrepreneurial & Vocational skills training for 500 Unemployed young men and women in 2
districts, organised into 25 enterprises.
In addition, the BRACT project supported youth and vulnerable but labour endowed HHs to initiate
non-agricultural micro businesses using an adapted ILO Start Your Business (SYB) concept including
leadership skills impartation and group enterprise constitution development for 350 unemployed
men and women. A total of 126 participants attended the Basic Entrepreneurship trainings. 61
males (48.4%) and 65 females (51.6%), this is out of a possible of 155 that are currently registered
from the four wards. The project also embarked on Group Enterprise constitution making and
business leadership skills strengthening for 30 SME enterprises + 20 agro- based producer groups
with a total of 930 participants. To facilitate participatory identification and selection of suitable
SME and empowerment opportunities, community leaders generated project ideas. These included:
shoe making, gold mining, carpentry, welding, building, maputi making, freezit making, vegetable
drying, tomato canning etc. The project also noted that there are existing soap making project
groups in wards 15 and 16 in Mutoko which will benefit from business planning and management
training to equip them with skills to run their businesses.
e) CREATING AN ENABLING ENVIRONMENT
In the ECRAS project, thirteen participatory score card roll outs were done during the quarter.
Improved service delivery was noted with farmers appreciating that they are receiving relevant
training for their needs. Farmers were also happy with timely distribution of inputs for the 2017/18
season.
The ZVA project facilitated trainings on by-law formulation targeting district stakeholders and Ward
councilors in Mbire and Binga districts. A total of 82 (57M/25F) people were trained and following
these trainings, community leadership, Ward councilors and Chiefs have been heavily involved in
the formulation of Ward level by-laws whose purpose is to promote conservation of natural
resources. Binga RDC is already developing by-laws and all the 25 wards have formulated bi-laws
on veldt fires, stream bank cultivation, cutting down of trees and pulling of sledges following these
trainings.
In the ZVA project, asset management committees at CLICs have engaged the Ministry of SMEs to
assist them in designing contracts for private sector engagement. At Mushumbi CLIC the committee
drafted an MoU for signing with Oakfin Investments, a company which has expressed interest in
partnering the community in the use of the cattle feedlots at the CLIC. The company intends to
initially use the pens as a buying point and later partner farmers in pen fattening. To date 28 cattle
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have been sent to market through the cattle pens at Mushumbi CLIC. Through this activity, the
committee has earned $84. The revenue raised is to be used for infrastructure maintenance and
payment of security services and hired labour. It is envisaged that more than 4000 households from
wards 3, 9, 12, 17 and other distant wards such as ward 10, 8 and parts of 4 are set to benefit from
livestock sales and capacity building. The act of approaching stakeholders from the ministry to ask
for assistance is clear indication of empowered communities that are now able to demand services
from office bearers. Additionally, they have taken ownership of the CLIC structures and now have
the confidence to approach private sector players to negotiate business deals that benefit the
community at large. This demonstrates a shift in mindset and drive towards improved
transformative capacity.
Realizing the information gap on contract management as expressed by Commodity Associations,
ZVA conducted a capacity building workshop during the quarter which was attended by 35people
(28M, 7F) in Mbire and 47 participants (21F, 26M) in Binga. Participants received information on
contract elements, management and monitoring as well as contractual obligations under Command
Agriculture
During the same training, participants received information on tax justice revenue generated from
natural resources the REDD+ and CAMPFIRE, the history of the CAMPFIRE program and the
importance of the REDD+ as a climate change mitigation measure. They understood the sharing
mechanisms in place for revenue generated in the projects, how much is shared with the
communities and who decides what happens to the revenue generated. The commodity
associations committed to following up with the RDCs on the revenue generated from the projects
and how it is spent.
In Binga district, ZVA facilitated capacity building on legal requirements for Fishing Business
Industry. The objectives of the training were to deliberate the legal licensing requirements for
fishing requirements, discuss sustainable relationships between the administrative authorities and
those in the fishing industry and share challenges experienced by the administrative authorities and
the fishing business players. It was agreed that the Lake navigation will conduct a thorough
assessment of all water vessels to prevent use of dangerous vessels while fishing and that Council
and Parks will re-demarcate water boundaries and clearly mark legal and illegal zones by end of
May 2017.
f) CROSS CUTTING ISSUES
i. Gender
During the quarter, the ECRAS project facilitated 17 dialogue platforms in Chiredzi. Women
appreciated the fact that male Gender Champions were having a positive influence on other men in
their communities. Some women appreciated the fact that despite having to seek permission the
men who had participated in the gender dialogue platforms were becoming more open to the idea
that women can lead in community activities. Given the criticality of men and women participation
in development, mobilisations for VS&L trainings, Good agricultural Practices training and Fall Army
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Worm trainings deliberately ensured that men and women from the same household participated.
These training sessions were also done to a maximum of 4 hours to allow time for women to attend
to other household duties.
Women constituted 65% of the total membership at the established gardens which makes the solar
powered pumps a critical women empowerment intervention. The establishment of gardens at the
solar pumped sites is expected to improve access to income by women and youth as it promotes
dry season planting, growing of horticultural products. Community members were encouraged to
grow tomatoes, sugar bean, green leafy vegetables, onions, cabbage, and sweet potato. The
communities are now producing at a larger scale for local markets to improve their income base
owing to improved access to water.
Sizimele has taken a deliberate move to engage women in the program to empower them in
historically patriarchal communities. As a resilience program focusing on the well-up communities
(B1 and B2 communities), the program still observes the 'leave no one behind agenda' through its
all-encompassing Community Managed Disaster Risk Reduction. Under CMDRR, all community
members are indiscriminately involved in community planning to contribute to their resilience in
the face of shocks and stressors. With more females taking part in these meetings, it brings more
meaning to the community developed plans as they are the most affected by these shocks and
stressors. In the mushroom interventions, the program has seen more women taking part in the
intervention positioning themselves as entrepreneurs increasing survival options in the prevailing
hazards or disasters. As Sizimele, we have recognized that women with children in our trainings risk
losing a lot of information during trainings and have taken deliberate moves to have facilitators
following up with them to ensure they grasp all concepts. Recommendations to have child minders
during trainings has been raised, however, paying these has budget implications. Other options may
be developed as we learn from our experiences and the impact of the child minding trainees.
A gender workshop was conducted to inform the gender framework for Sizimele. The project has
taken a deliberate approach to empower women and ensure that they participate in enhancing
their resilience at household level. During the paravets training, three women brought their
children and they were accommodated and given time to nurse their children but also getting
updates on missed aspects of the training. Sizimele project encourages youth participation and
deliberate mobilization of youth to be part of resilience building was done. Youths in Tjelanyemba
were engaged in a development dialogue and were tasked to mobilize resources to contribute to
their broiler production and emphasis was on them thinking big to ensure sustainability of their
activities. Sizimele is working on engaging financiers to visit organized groups to discuss possibility
of loan benefits.
Discussions on gender issues were done during all community trainings. Deliberations on gender-
based violence and male engagement provoked a lot debate amongst the workshop participants.
The majority attendees in the mushroom production trainings were women. Attendance by youth
was low and trainings mostly consisted of older people. As a strategy to improve youth
participation, a mushroom production group will be setup at Tjehondo Primary school (ward 10)
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with the assistance of teachers. The school is targeting youths and trained mushroom farmers will
support the initiative. The number of female farmers (22 out of 48) participating in the project is
very impressive and the number is expected to increase in subsequent years of the project. Agritex
officers are working closely with the farmers to ensure that the farmers manage their fields in an
environmentally friendly manner to avoid soil erosion and land degradation.
Data collection for the ECRIMS gender and youth analysis was done during the reporting quarter.
Ten wards out of fifty were sampled for the analysis. The gender analysis provided some basis to
develop responsive strategies and approaches to the identified gaps affecting women, men, male
youth and female youths from coping with the impact of climate change.
Deliberate effort was made to integrate gender and youth in CAAPs tools to ensure meaningful
participation of women and youths during CAAP processes at both ward and village levels. The
motive was to understand the views and insights of all affected populations ensuring that drawn
plans are responsive to the needs of the different groups. A session on gender and youth in CAAP
was also facilitated during the CAAP ToT for participants to have an appreciation of the issues and
as part of preparing them for ward/village level CAAP processes
PROGRESS is working towards improving youth involvement in community decision-making
structures, as well as their participation in resilience building which will contribute to
transformative change. This is being done through establishing Youth Forums where youth
engagement for collective action in their community will be promoted, the consortium is also
working towards creating livelihoods opportunities for the youth as part of the program exit
strategies. In Nyanga, a total of 60 Youth Forums (with membership ranging from 15 – 30 youths
per forum) were formed from the 20 operational wards. In total, 1378 youths (789 females and 589
males) participated in the establishment of the fora and have subscribed to a forum of their choice.
In Beitbridge, a total of 58 Youth Forums were established in all 14 wards. These consist of 909
youths (527 female and 382 males). During these youth forums, a total of 60 (34 male and 26
female) Youth Champions were selected. Youth Champions are expected to facilitate dialogue and
decision-making at the forums, lead cross-community and youth development actions, mentor their
peers, and serve as a link with community leadership. Youths in the various forums are
spearheading resilience building and community activities which include road maintenance works,
gully reclamation, borehole rehabilitation and establishment of community gardens, volunteering
at schools, clinics, and community centres. As a way of supporting the resilience of youth and
increasing their income earning opportunities, the program will gradually help the youth to identify
viable income generating projects which they will spearhead in their groups.
The PROGRESS project is working closely with the Ministry of Women Affairs and Youth affairs in
promoting youth participation and gender mainstreaming across all components. More than 50% of
the lead farmers in the program are women. About 80% of the people who participated in the VSAL
were female.
In the MELANA project, Youth Gender Action Learning Systems (GALS) champions were trained on
the GALS methodology in Umguza. The GALS methodology seemed to be very welcome among the
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youth groups who liked the visioning and problem-solving techniques. The youth groups applied the
vision journeys to their group projects mainly in poultry, hair salons, and piggery.
In the BRACT project there has been a deliberate effort to ensure equal representation of men and
women in the project. Women with nursing babies have been accommodated during trainings and
the training times are sensitive to the fact that women have chores at home and therefore need to
be dismissed early and also to start trainings at a time that will allow them to complete tasks at
home.
The ZVA project managed to support 154 youths (85M, 69F) to take up courses of their choice.
Efforts were made to encourage women to take up courses traditionally taken up by men such as
building and to urge men to take up courses historically taken up by women such as Bread and
confectioneries baking or Dressmaking. This was done to break down gender ceilings and barriers
and open opportunities equally regardless of one’s gender, which has been cited as a key issue in
resilience building initiatives. However, this was not readily taken up by some communities and
beneficiaries still selected their traditional roles, for instance, no female beneficiaries signed up for
the welding and metal sheet fabrication course in Mbire.
ii. Child Protection
On child protection, the ECRAS project team ensured that children’s rights especially on access to
education are not violated. Project participants in the Crops Value Chains were encouraged not to
compromise time for school by assigning duties of scaring of birds and cattle herding to school
going children during the day. Possibilities of a conflict between the household quest to increase
their income and school going time for the children were possible.
iii. HIV/AIDS
During the reporting quarter the BRACT project managed to partner with the National AIDS council
in TB awareness, cancer screening, HIV prevention services and the youths were targeted through
the Sister to Sister programme being implemented in Mutoko with financial support from the
Global fund through NAC. The Ministry of Health and Childcare provided the services during
activities in wards 8, 7, 16, 17 and 4. Other partners like COMMUTECH, Jairos Jiri, and Zichire BC
have integrated their activities into the BRACT project. This has enabled the project to mainstream
HIV, Gender and disability issues.
iv. Nutrition
The ECRAS project focused on improving household nutrition and contributing to reduction of the
prevalence of stunting and wasting among children under five. This was done through the support
for the establishment of nutritional gardens at 6 solar pumped borehole sites. A total of 4 sites
were supported with sweet potato vines from the Chiredzi Research Institute. Communities were
growing leafy vegetables, onions and tomatoes which all contribute to one of the 7 food groups for
household dietary diversity, vegetables.
In the Sizimele project, two mushroom cooking and tasting sessions were held in wards 10 and 14
of Matobo district attracting 84 participants (67 females and 17 males). Community members were
44
trained on various mushroom recipes including fried and roasted mushroom delicacies. After the
cooking school, the community was eager to undergo mushroom production training and start
mushroom production in their respective villages. Local leadership commended the introduction of
mushrooms by Sizimele and expressed the need to upscale production within the village and
ward.Four cooking schools on nutritious aromatic herbs were conducted in Insiza district and
attracted 93 participants (68 females and 25 males).
In the ZVA project, communities in Binga wards 17 and 21 identified traditional food focal point
persons, 13(9F/4M) each having 10 members. These focal persons were incorporated into
community health clubs in the targeted area and are responsible for promoting consumption of
traditional foods and encouraging farmers to grow traditional foods such as amaranth and Cleome.
This is a demonstration of activity integration where agronomy is infused with other themes such as
nutrition and health. Additionally, it is evidence of integrating resilience themes and breaking down
individual silos which differentiates resilience building from livelihoods projects. It is also an
indication of early group maturity given that these initiatives were spear-headed by the groups
themselves without external support which remains crucial to the sustainability of interventions
given that the project is left with only a year of implementation.
Women groups promoting the nutrition through consumption of traditional foods were supported
in traditional seed and food fairs in 2016 and 2017. A video clip was developed on the processing
and preservation of Cleoame, a traditional vegetable. The video was done to enlighten farmers
regarding food preservation when certain food stuffs are abundant to create reserves for the dry
season when access nutritious foods is limited through peer to peer learning. A total of 44 women
from ward 21 and 18 could view and discuss around the video clip on the processing of Cleome.
v. Environmental Issues
In the PROGRESS project, during innovation platform meetings, community members were made
aware of the importance of natural resources management, the need for protection of forests and
communal woodland, veld fire management and climate change issues.
g) THE MANAGEMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE PROJECT
During the quarter, the ECRAS project held 2 quarterly review meetings (one in each district) with
all ward based MLARR extension staff. The review meetings were meant to review progress for the
6th quarter and review the 2017/2018 season. The meetings made use of the advisories developed
during the PSP Workshop done during quarter 5. The project was generally noted to be on track
and where there were issues; these were discussed and validated by project and extension staff.
The ZVA Project Management Team held a meeting and put a system in place to ensure that all
consortium members (including district teams) are notified and aware of the reasons behind field
visits as well as the need to produce reports following the visits. This was done to facilitate value for
45
money, improve coordination and effectiveness of implementation partnerships and make optimal
use of field time.
DCA continued to effectively coordinate the work of all project partners through organising
Technical Committee Meetings (TCM), Sizimele board meeting, joint field visits, one on one
meetings and e-mails.
The BRACT project and Agritex organized a stakeholders’ joint monitoring field visit in Mutoko
district. The joint monitoring field visit drew participants from the DA, AGRITEX, Vet department,
Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC), Min of youth and women affairs, Social welfare, DDF,
traditional leaders and lead farmers in Mutoko district. This practice strengthens the capacity of
local stakeholders to monitor development projects and will contribute to sustainability of
interventions after project closure.
To avoid duplication of efforts, develop common understanding, coordinate and share roles and
responsibilities on implementation of projects, ECRIMS strongly coordinates with other partners
such as government departments and other NGOs. During the quarter, ECRIMS and Action Contre
la Faim; an INGO working in Mberengwa district clarified roles on VSL as both have the same
activity targeting the same district. High Frequency Monitoring data has helped ECRIMS in adaptive
programming resulting it the consortium deprioritizing and prioritizing some activities to get the
most out of the changing context. Some of the prioritized activities identified by the communities
are include water harvesting for irrigation, construction of gardens and rehabilitation of irrigation
schemes. The deprioritized activities have simply been deferred to a later stage to all for the
completion of the aforementioned activities.
The MELANA project developed market linkages for farmers trained by World Vision to farm
sorghum, the farmers sold nearly 30MT of red sorghum. Some of the existing youth groups in the
MELANA project were trained by other Agencies such as International Youth Foundation and these
will receive mentorship and material support for their businesses. In the initial proposal the
MELANA team sought to provide loans to Youth (exclusively), microfinance institutions are in the
process of being engaged to manage the grant. Given the current economic environment MELANA
will explore (in discussion with the micro-finance institutions) options for co-financing by youth,
because it is difficult for many of the groups to come up with bankable collateral.
No major changes were made to the PROGRESS’ project’s design during the quarter and the
consortium intends to finalise the contextual analysis which will inform a few adjustments to the
project design in the near future. The consortium is working closely with line government ministries
and departments such as Ministry of Lands Agriculture and Rural Resettlement departments
(Agritex, DLPD, DVS, Mechanization and Irrigation), ministry of SMEs, Ministry of Youth and
Women’s affairs, gender and Community Development, Ministry of Environment and Climate
change (Forestry and EMA). The consortium participates in relevant thematic areas such as the
market linkages working group, cash transfers working group, food and nutrition committees,
agriculture working group, CPU and the RDDCs, PDC provincial food and nutrition committees in
each of the districts.
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2.2 Activity Result: ZRBF effectively and efficiently managed to achieve results
Activity Action: Technical support and oversight of grants (including spot checks)
The spot checks are done once annually by third parties. For this reporting year, spot checks were
done in the third quarter of 2017 and satisfactory findings were reported. Other issues raised in the
reports are being addressed.
Activity Action: Financial Management
Consortium project
Authorized Budget Quarter 1
Actual Project Expenditure Q1
% of Actual Expenditure Q1
Total Budget TOTAL Expenditure to date
% actual expenditure to LOP
ZVA 424,929.02 364,856.96 86% 3,676,439.20 2,663,265.30 72%
ECRAS 292,695.41 295,252.69 101% 3,297,000.00 2,045,962.00 62%
MELANA 766,053.51 359,446.00 47% 5,006,999.00 2,337,810.00 47%
SIZEMELE 353,290.00 611,685.00 173% 5,123,367.00 1,449,328.00 28%
PROGRESS 546,317.43 265,449.53 49% 5,358,627.11 685,888.24 13%
BRACT 256,654.33 170,730.53 67% 3,282,240.00 228,290.45 7%
ECRIMS 556,985.87 432,646.20 78% 5,430,273.47 631,167.86 12%
Overall ZRBF Projects
3,196,925.57 2,527,004.64 79% 31,174,945.77 10,041,711.86 32%
OUTPUT 3: TIMELY AND COST-EFFECTIVE RESPONSE TO SHOCKS AND STRESSES ROLLED OUT VIA
THE CRISIS MODIFIER MECHANISM.
3.2.1 Setting up/strengthening high frequency monitoring system
A field mission was conducted by MLARR and the ZRBF PMU from 19th- 23rd February 2018 to
sensitize BRACT and ECRIMS district stakeholders on the HFM and the need to report monthly the
agreed trigger indicators. HFM was presented as an early warning tool for ZRBF Fund which inform
and result in early action in terms of adaptive programming, engagement with the
national/subnational government for actions and crisis modification when it’s necessary. Districts
covered by the mission were Mberengwa, Mudzi, Mutoko and Zvishavane.
3.2.2 Produce monthly HFM Bulletin
All districts reported consistently on the 17 indicators for High Frequency Monitoring System
(HFMS) during the quarter. Umguza district had missing data in March, discussions were conducted
with MELANA to establish challenges facing the district concerning data for HFMS. The period from
January to February was characterised by mid-season dry spells across all districts. Mbire and
47
Umzingwane experienced mid-season dry spell in March also, resulting in emergency category.
Consequently, crop condition and access to water for livestock and household use declined. In
Mberengwa and Zvishavane Foot and Mouth disease was recorded in the quarter. Sixteen districts
recorded high common diarrhoea cases in March 2018, resulting in emergency category for the
districts. Nyanga received high rainfall during the quarter.
3.2.4 Activation and Implementation of Crisis Modifier
The Crisis Modifier was activated in March with ECRAS, MELANA and ZVA invited to apply for
additional funding to implement crisis modifier activities. The rest of the ZRBF-funded projects
(BRACT, ECRIMS, PROGRESS and SIZIMELE) were advised to add and de-prioritise certain activities
in response to the findings of the HFM system. ECRAS, MELANA and ZVA will commence Crisis
Modification activities using additional funds in April 2018.
3. CHALLENGES AND LESSONS LEARNED
i. LESSONS LEARNED
▪ Climate Smart Agriculture is key to production in regions IV & V. During the dry spells it was
evident that crops especially groundnuts which had been planted on ridges as per CSA training
stood the dry spell as the ridges retained moisture.
▪ Building confidence in the market systems is an opportunity that ZRBF projects could work on;
there is a need to bring through “sincere” private players to off-take farmers’ produce.
▪ Continuous engagement and training of the communities in Community Action Adaptation
Planning and PSP is required and is key in dealing with the dependency syndrome mind set.
▪ Conservation farming demonstration plots have shown that where maize is planted in adjacent
fields with sorghum and rapoko, FAW tends to prefer attacking maize and stay clear of the
sorghum and rapoko. This interesting observation may provide additional knowledge on
managing crop losses from FAW and can be a good additional incentive for smallholder farmers
to increase adoption of drought tolerant (and now less susceptible to fall army worm attack)
sorghum and millet.
▪ On harvesting of Non- Timber- Forest Products, a large number of beneficiaries showed little
interest in species that are labor-intensive (such as cracking marula nuts).
▪ The lead farmer model is a motivating factor for the identified lead farmers who realize the
need for their sense of responsibility in ensuring success. The lead farmer model has ensured
community ownership of the project. In addition, decentralization of trainings sites improves
farmer participation and impact.
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▪ Whilst projects have been encouraged to use existing structures to avoid parallelism and
promote sustainability of project initiatives, it is of paramount importance that the program
frequently assesses the functionality of certain structures and make recommendations for
improvement such as redistributing tasks to active project participants and resilience-minded
early adopters who may not necessarily be part of the existing structure. A good example
relates to the High Frequency Monitoring System in the ZVA project where it was expected that
the existing Agritex/ LPD system would adopt the use of technology in data collection. The
project engaged ward based Agritex personnel to implement this system under the assumption
that they have been doing this effectively in the past. This however proved not to be the case in
some areas which compromised delivery and program quality.
▪ Interventions that are in line with the key result areas of the government partners are triggering
their maximum participation.
ii. CHALLENGES
▪ Restructuring of MLARR extension officers is a major setback as officers that received ToT on
certain projects components were not available to execute their roles. Lean staff on the ground
i.e extension staff is affecting target reach of some activities. There is need for higher level
engagement with MLARR as there are some officers whose destination work areas are not yet
certain, this makes it difficult for the projects to put resources on training them as it is not
certain they will be stationed in the district.
▪ Lack of collectively planning among partners delayed implementation of some of planned
activities. Efforts will continue to be placed on layering, sequencing and joint planning to ensure
effective use of time and resources.
▪ The open market is a major challenge in terms of paying farmers on time (see result 3), the
solution requires higher level intervention from the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture and Rural
Resettlement.
4. KEY PARTNERSHIPS AND INTER-AGENCY COLLABORATION
The PMU participated in the feedback meeting on Nutrition Mission by the World bank. The
objectives of the stakeholders’ meetings were;
o to present the World Bank’s Global and Regional Engagements on Stunting Reduction, with
specific focus on the Early Years Initiative
o to understand current multi-sectoral priorities for Early Childhood Nutrition
o to brainstorm on the way forward and avenues for collaboration and synergy across
Government, the CPs and other stakeholders to seek feedback from stakeholders on
whether/how the World Bank could add inputs to ongoing efforts of convergence in
nutrition programming.
49
During the quarter, ZRBF PMU participated in the preparation for the return of the UNDP Economic
Recovery Senior Advisor to Zimbabwe, furthermore the ZRBF PMU had several meetings with the
advisor to start exploring the development of an urban-rural component under ZRBF.
The ZRBF PMU participated in the launch of “Third Way” – an international impact investment
initiative entering Zimbabwe with the intention of facilitating long term investment to selected
ZRBF initiatives.
During the reporting period, the ECRAS Project hosted the Enhancing Community Resilience in
Marketing Sustainability (ECRIMS) Project team from Mberengwa and Zvishavane districts. The
team consisted of ECRIMS staff, MLARR staff and farmers from Mberengwa and Zvishavane districts
for a look and learn visit. A total of 39 (9 male and 30 female) participated in the visit. Lessons were
drawn from the layering and sequencing of the various interventions as being promoted by the
ECRAS Project, and these include crop - livestock demonstrations, livestock breed improvement,
fodder production and treatment, water harvesting and the Village Savings and Lending (VS&L).
One district Civil Protection Unit (CPU) meeting was attended by ECRAS project staff during the
quarter to revise the District Disaster Response Plan as well as composition of the District Civil
Protection Unit. Of late the District CPU was made up of government arms only, however, it has
been revised to include NGOs, the government and the Private organisations. Members were then
requested to produce Disaster Mitigation Plans at organizational level. The DA highlighted that
reviews should be done in all the 32 wards to enable communities to also reflect on their disaster
mitigation plans on a quarterly basis.
The ECRAS project also participated in food and nutrition coordination ward meetings. The
objective of the meetings was to feedback on food security and nutrition in children and pregnant
mothers. ECRAS was applauded by Ministry of Health for the promotion of the production of crops
that promote a ‘four star” diet which includes vegetables from Nutritional Gardens, protein from
pulses from irrigation schemes (sugar bean) and demo plots (cow pea), meat and eggs from
Indigenous poultry, iron from bio-fortifies Okashana pearl millet. It was agreed that there is need
for cross learning among the wards through exchange visits to health centres to witness the
progress being made on stunting reduction and other nutrition indicators. The need to train
mothers on feed formulation for their children using nutritious locally available resources such as
small grains and legumes was also highlighted. The ECRAS project participated in the DDRC meeting
in Mwenezi where partners were sharing the 2017 reports and plans for 2018.
During the period under review the project organised two NGO forum meetings in Chiredzi and
Mwenezi district. This gave partners the platform to share progress, plans and discuss areas of
collaboration, layering, sequencing and integration. Emphasis was made on the need for partners
to collaborate and establish points of synergy for sustainability of projects.
50
The ZVA project collaborated with World vision international in Mbire in training CAHWs, lead
farmers and Livestock Development Committees on hay production and management of pests and
diseases. In Binga, ZVA collaborated with Caritas on mapping out target beneficiaries for goat
breeding as the latter is also implementing a similar intervention. Caritas conducted refresher
training of WRCs in 7 wards in Binga district while Red Cross provided First Aid training for the Binga
DCPC. In Kariba, ZVA collaborated with World Vision on trainings regarding production of drought
resistant fodder and supplied Sun Hemp fodder seed which was sowed at CLIC sites and distributed
3kg to each of ZVA’s 30 lead farmers. WVI facilitated trainings on fodder production at CLIC sites in
Kariba as well. Save the children conducted Climate Change adaptation trainings in ward 3 informed
by Ward resilience plans developed under the ZVA project. Under the WASH PPP pilot project in
Kariba district, WVI availed funds for the rehabilitation of 17 boreholes in the district. Red Cross is
supporting youths trained under ZVA’ s vocational training component with Life Saving Skills.
SIZIMELE project in Matobo district has partnered with World Vision on CMDRR activities. World
Vision has provided stationery to be used during CMDRR trainings in all the 19 wards and trained
stakeholders on community-based disaster risk reduction. In Insiza ADRA will cover 6 wards on
community-based disaster risk reduction activities catering for all training costs to a value of $2400-
00. The mushroom project works closely with relevant government departments that include
Agritex, local authorities (Rural District Councils and the District Administrator’s offices), District
Development Fund, Zimbabwe National Water Authority and other NGOs (e.g. ADRA and Dabane
Trust) implementing similar projects in the districts of operation. While agencies such as World
Vision use Community Based Disaster Risk Management (CBDRM), vis a vis the Sizimele’s CMDRR,
consensus was reached to synergize activities at all levels in order to achieve a common outcome.
Sizimele is working closely with World Vision ensuring that input from communities feed into the
district level processes.
During the quarter a coordination meeting with Action- Faim and INGO working in Mberengwa
district was held to clarify the roles of ECRIMS VSAL Strategy. Action Faim is also promoting VSALs
in the district.
The BRACT project adopted a multi-stakeholder collaborative approach with different existing
structures from ward to district level to enable effectiveness of programming and reaching out to
more people. BRACT is collaborating and complimenting work by other NGOs operating in these
districts such as World Vision, Plan International, Caritas, CTDO and Red Cross Zimbabwe.
Stakeholders who include government ministries (Agriculture, Health, Women affairs, Small and
Medium Enterprises and Cooperative Development, Education, Industry and Commerce) and
departments at national, provincial and district levels; research institutions; other community
development NGOs and the private sector are participating in the implementation of project.
The PROGRESS project takes part in relevant thematic areas or working groups such as the market
linkages working group, cash transfers working group, food and nutrition committees, agriculture
working group, CPU and the RDDCs in each of the districts. At provincial level the consortium
mainly participates in the PDC and the provincial food and nutrition committees.
51
GRANTEES TECHNICAL BACKSTOPPING
▪ The ZRBF PMU supported BRACT and ECRIMs projects in introducing the High Frequency
Monitoring (HFM) to local stakeholders and the project team. As a result, the two projects, with
strong participation of relevant departments, started producing monthly HFM data in February
2018.ZRBF
▪ ZRBF PMU supported grantees with beneficiary registration
▪ Reflection sessions with Project Boards
5. WAY FORWARD
▪ Close monitoring of election activities and political environment-As the elections draw near, all
ZRBF projects will have to increase alertness and continuously monitor developments on the
political environment and election related activities so that there are minimum disturbances.
▪ Catching up on planned activities-ZRBF will work with grantees to ensure the projects catches
up on delivery of agreed commitments.
▪ Fall Army Worm- Work with grantees to prepare for next season.
▪ Continue to pilot models for the sustainability of infrastructure.
▪ Engagement with MLARR on the issue regarding the restructuring of Extension officers.
▪ There is a request for UNDP to support in the negotiation and promotion of the uptake new
management models for irrigation with the MLARR and other stakeholders.
▪ Programming of additional funds from SIDA
52
6. ANNEXES
Please find attached the following supporting documents:
Annex I: The 2018 Q1 work plan
Annex II: Detailed ZRBF Q1 2018 expenditure report and Cash forecast (separate document)
Annex III: The up-dated quarterly risk analysis framework for ZRBF
ANNEX I
1.1 FY 2018 Q1 Work Plan
ZRBF PMU FY18 Q1 Work plan
EXPECTED RESULTS PLANNED ACTIVITIES (Activity Results and Actions)
TIMEFRAME Who is RESPONSIBLE
Resources Required
Jan Feb Mar Funding Source
Budget Description
Amount USD
Result 1: Building evidence to improve the policy environment and stimulate service provision to enhance household and community resilience Indicator 1.1 # of national and sub-national assessments that inform development planning and programming, taking into account differentiated impacts on women and men Indicator 1.2.1# of multi-hazard mappings at subnational levels that inform resilience planning and programming Baseline:1 Target:3 Custom Indicator 1.2.2 # of knowledge products at national and subnational levels that inform resilience planning and programming Baseline:2 Target:4 Indicator 1.3 # of community projects that utilize evidence for improved resilience
1.1 Activity Result: An evidence base for resilience built
1.1.1 Support national data collection, analysis and other studies that critical for resilience programming and evidence generation
X X X
ZRBF PMU/MLARR/FNC/MoPSLSW/DCP
ZRBF multiple donors
a) Support to the First Round Crop and Livestock Assessment
X X
ZRBF PMU/MLARR/FNC/MoPSLSW/DCP
ZRBF multiple donors
Conference, Travel/DSA/Printing
30,000.00
b) DCP Rapid assessment for flooding
X X X
ZRBF PMU/MLARR/FNC/MoPSLSW/DCP
ZRBF multiple donors
Printing, Travel/DSA
25,000.00
1.1.4 Resilience Thematic Case Study, Research & Technical Notes
X X
ZRBF PMU/MLARR/FNC/MoPSLSW/DCP
ZRBF multiple donors
1.1.5. Establishment and operationalization of the Resilience Measurement Working Group
X X ZRBF PMU/MLARR
ZRBF Multiple donors
Conferences 2,000.00
1.1.6 Publish evidence by documenting knowledge products on resilience related themes- Barrier analysis
X X ZRBF PMU/MLARR
ZRBF multiple donors
Publications 10,000.00
1.1.7 Disseminate evidence from the knowledge products on resilience
X X ZRBF PMU/MLARR
ZRBF multiple donors
Conferences 5,000.00
54
Baseline:0 Target:3 Indicator 1.4.Robust program monitoring, evaluation & Learning strategic framework is established and operationalized to monitor and evaluate ZRBF program implementation progress and outcomes
related themes X X
ZRBF PMU/MLARR
ZRBF multiple donors
DSAs 5,000.00
X ZRBF PMU/MLARR
ZRBF multiple donors
Consultant 20,000.00
1.1.9 Regional exchange, knowledge, advocacy
X ZRBF PMU/MLARR
ZRBF Multiple donors
Travel/DSA 10,000.00
1.1.10 International exchange, knowledge and advocacy
X ZRBF PMU/MLARR
ZRBF Multiple donors
Travel/DSA 5,000.00
1.2 Activity Result: Managing for results for ZRBF projects
1.2.1 Internal Field Monitoring of ZRBF projects with MLARR
X ZRBF PMU/MLARR
ZRBF Multiple donors
DSA/travel 4,375.00
1.2.2 Joint Field Monitoring (a joint monitoring missions with steering committee)
X ZRBF PMU/MLARR
ZRBF Multiple donors
DSA/travel 3,750.00
1.2.3 Quarterly performance indicator tracking of ZRBF projects against ZRBF programme log frame indicators
X ZRBF PMU ZRBF Multiple donors
1.2.4 Quarterly ZRBF Value for Money indicator tracking
X ZRBF PMU ZRBF Multiple donors
1.2.5 Quarterly ZRBF Risk Matrix update
X X X ZRBF PMU ZRBF Multiple donors
1.2.6 Provide performance progress updates during quarterly review meetings (Steering committee, development partners and grantees)
X X X
1.2.7 Implementation of ZRBF Baseline (impact Evaluation)
X X X ZRBF PMU/MLARR
ZRBF multiple donors
Consultant firm
500,000.00
1.2.8 All the baseline data for the MEL framework provided, and disaggregated by gender where appropriate
X X X ZRBF PMU ZRBF Multiple donors
1.2.9 EU ROM mission X ZRBF PMU/MLARR
ZRBF multiple donors
DSA 2,000.00
1.2.12 Workshops and conferences -Combined HFMS/Crisis Modifier,
X X X ZRBF PMU/MLARR
ZRBF Multiple donors
Conferences 6,000.00
55
Value for Money etc
X X X ZRBF PMU/MLARR
ZRBF Multiple donors
DSA/travel 6,000.00
1.2.14 Contribute relevant inputs for ZRBF Annual, Quarterly and Monthly Performance Report
X X X ZRBF PMU ZRBF Multiple donors
1.3 Activity Result: Increase application of evidence in planning for resilience
1.3.1 Workshops and Conferences- training of ZRBF stakeholders on resilience and crisis modification at sub national levels
X X X
ZRBF PMU ZRBF multiple donors
Conferences 25,000.00
ZRBF PMU Travel/DSA 10,000.00
ZRBF PMU Consultants 10,000.00
1.3.3 Knowledge exchange activities at subnational level and regional level for improved utilization of evidence in planning for resilience.
X X ZRBF PMU ZRBF multiple donors
Visibility and communication
10,000.00
1.3.4 Support national and sub national institutions with hardware and software to increase evidence use
X ZRBF PMU ZRBF multiple donors
Conference 1,000.00
X ZRBF PMU ZRBF multiple donors
DSA 8,000.00
Result 2: Absorptive, adaptive and transformative capacities of target communities improved.
2.1 Activity Result: ZRBF Grants Implementation
2.1.1 Implementation of Grants
X
ZRBF PMU/MLARR
ZRBF Multiple donors
Grants 3,717,491.56
2.1.2 Quarterly Grantees review meeting
X
-
56
Indicator 2.1 # of women and men supported by ZRBF funded programmes to cope with the effects of climate change disaggregated by type of investment Indicator 2.2 # of at risk communities (wards) with a disaster risk reduction (DRR) and/or integrated disaster reduction and adaptation in their strategy or action plan Indicator 2.3 # Percentage of farmers who used financial services (savings, agricultural credit, and/or agricultural insurance) in the past 12 months Indicator 2.4 # of communities with disaster early warning and response (EWR) systems working effectively Indicator 2.5 # Number of women and men receiving trainings in the ZRBF programme (disaggregated by training type) Indicator 2.6 # Proportion of households adopting climate smart agricultural production technologies (f/m disaggregation) Indicator 2.7 # Percentage of farmers who practiced the value chain activities promoted by the project in
2.1.3 Consolidate input for component 2 and 3 into the overall ZRBF reports.
X
-
2.2 Activity Result: Implementation of DRM plans
2.2.1 Support finalisation of District Strategic Plans/DRM plans, linking them to national plans
X X X
ZRBF PMU/MLARR
ZRBF Multiple donors
Consultant 10,000.00
2.2.4 Continued updating of context analysis for adapting programming
ZRBF PMU/MLARR
ZRBF Multiple donors
Workshop 5,000.00
X ZRBF PMU/MLARR
ZRBF Multiple donors
Consultant 30,000.00
2.3 Activity Result: Develop, Appraise and award ZRBF Strategic Partnerships
2.3.2 Capacity building for Certification (organic, fair trade etc) of small holder farmer produce - None timber forest products, horticulture, honey
X
ZRBF PMU/MLARR
ZRBF Multiple donors
Consulting firms
2.3.3 Design TORs for the Strategic Partnership call for proposals - Market Development and Financial inclusion, certification, gender, transformation.
X
ZRBF PMU/MLARR
ZRBF Multiple donors
-
2.4. Activity Result: Promote climate smart agriculture
2.4.1 ToT on climate smart agriculture
X ZRBF PMU ZRBF Multiple
donors Consultant
9,000.00
ZRBF PMU ZRBF Multiple
donors Workshop
1,200.00
57
the past 12 months (f/m disaggregation) Indicator 2.8 # Number of households with access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation (f/m disaggregation -head of household) supported by ZRBF Indicator 2.9 # of functional small scale, productive infrastructures developed through ZRBF support (disaggregated by type)
2.5 Activity Result: Value chain development
2.5.1 Value chain analysis
x
ZRBF PMU
ZRBF Multiple donors
Consultant 82,500.00
Result 3: Appropriate, predictable, coordinated and timely response to risks and shocks established from the resilience perspective Indicator 3.1 Crisis modifiers designed and built into ZRBF's multi-year development programs Baseline:1 Target:3 Indicator 3.2 # of women & men assisted through the activation of ZRBF Crisis Modifier mechanism Baseline:2 Target:4 Indicator 3.3 # of stakeholders implementing risk-reducing practices/actions to improve resilience to climate change
3.1 Activity Result: A Crisis Modifier is finalized and set up
3.1.1 Development and Launch of a format for crisis modifier activation
X X X ZRBF PMU/MLARR
ZRBF multiple donors
Conference and DSA
3,000.00
3.1.2 Technical support for crisis modifier
X X X
ZRBF PMU/MLARR
ZRBF Multiple donors
Meetings -
3.2 Activity Result: A functioning high frequency monitoring system is in place for ZRBF
3.2.1 Setting up/strengthening high frequency monitoring system
X ZRBF PMU/MLARR
ZRBF multiple donors
Grants 41,076.00
3.2.2 Produce monthly HFM Bulletin X X X ZRBF PMU/MLARR
ZRBF multiple donors
3.2.3 Review the utilisation of the HFM information
X ZRBF PMU/MLARR
ZRBF multiple donors
Conference and DSA
6,250.00
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as a result of ZRBF assistance Baseline:0 Target:3
3.2.4 Activation and Implementation of Crisis Modifier
X X ZRBF PMU/MLARR
ZRBF Multiple donors
Grants 500,000.00
Annex II - ZRBF FY2018 Q1 Expenditure Report and FY2018 Q2 Cash Forecast
Please see separate excel document
Annex III- ZRBF Risk Analysis Framework up-dated March 2018
# DESCRIPTION DATE IDENTIFIED
TYPE Tracking ↓, ↑, ↔
IMPACT - I 1 (low) to 5 (high) & PROBABILITY - P1 (low) to 5 (high)
COUNTERMEASURES / MNGT RESPONSE/MITIGATION MEASURES
OWNER
1 Government and/or other donor assistance programmes undermine the development aspects of the programme, by providing inappropriate free hand outs.
Programme proposal October 2015
Political INCREASED P from P4 (originally P3, then increased to P4) to P5 due to response to the on-going extended lean season
P=4 I=4
EU member states are expected to be signatory to the EU/DFID resilience strategy and thus discourage such assistance. Close coordination with partners will be ensured. Government will be a strong partner via close cooperation with Ministry of Agriculture, Department of Civil Protection and the Food and Nutrition Council.
PMU, ZRBF donors, GoZ
59
# DESCRIPTION DATE IDENTIFIED
TYPE Tracking ↓, ↑, ↔
IMPACT - I 1 (low) to 5 (high) & PROBABILITY - P1 (low) to 5 (high)
COUNTERMEASURES / MNGT RESPONSE/MITIGATION MEASURES
OWNER
Teams on the ground have increased their advocacy and training components to ensure understanding of resilience building. Consortia members in ZRBF target areas are also continuously monitoring on this and engaging various stakeholders at field level so that resilience efforts are not undermined. UNDP is engaging other UN agencies to advocate for upholding of the resilience principles laid out in the strategic framework
2 Political will to invest in long-term resilience building reduces
Programme proposal October 2015
Strategic <-> P=1 I=5
ZRBF will continue to build up the evidence base for resilience interventions and advocate with government and partners for inclusion in policy and programming decisions.
Steering Committee
3 Capacity of Programme Organizational Increased P=4 ZRBF PMU has robust and clear PMU, Grantees
60
# DESCRIPTION DATE IDENTIFIED
TYPE Tracking ↓, ↑, ↔
IMPACT - I 1 (low) to 5 (high) & PROBABILITY - P1 (low) to 5 (high)
COUNTERMEASURES / MNGT RESPONSE/MITIGATION MEASURES
OWNER
partners to respond and implement decreases
proposal October 2015
from P4 I=3
guideline that are followed in the selection processes of Grant Recipients that include administrative checks, technical review and evaluation and financial evaluation by different independent committees appointed by the Country Director. All Grant Recipients under ZRBF undergo and should pass HACT and micro assessment for them to be eligible for applying for ZRBF funding. Joint quarterly and biannual performance monitoring visits including technical backstopping for all grantees have been conducted and will continue. Quarterly and annual reporting of progress on activities and financial reporting by grantees. Meeting have been called with
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# DESCRIPTION DATE IDENTIFIED
TYPE Tracking ↓, ↑, ↔
IMPACT - I 1 (low) to 5 (high) & PROBABILITY - P1 (low) to 5 (high)
COUNTERMEASURES / MNGT RESPONSE/MITIGATION MEASURES
OWNER
Steering committees of 2 Consortia due to low delivery rates and severe delays in beneficiary registration.
4 Access to communities will be restricted
Programme proposal October 2015
Political <-> P=2 I=5
Close engagement and cooperation with central and local authorities will show the value added for communities; essential operational activities or events will not be planned during certain time periods around the elections.
PMU, MAMID, Grantees
5 Robust Data is not available or accessible
Programme proposal October 2015
Political <-> P=3 I=3
Engage closely with counterparts and demonstrate the value added of using data for evidence-based policy making. ZRBF is now part of and also support key national surveys critical for resilience programming such as ZimVAC, PICES and Crop and livestock assessment and through this data can be easily assessed. Another strategy has been joint
PMU, MAMID
62
# DESCRIPTION DATE IDENTIFIED
TYPE Tracking ↓, ↑, ↔
IMPACT - I 1 (low) to 5 (high) & PROBABILITY - P1 (low) to 5 (high)
COUNTERMEASURES / MNGT RESPONSE/MITIGATION MEASURES
OWNER
analysis and generation of analytical products with data providers.
6 Crisis modifier insufficient to mitigate the negative impact of shock/hazard on progress achieved in building resilience
Programme proposal October 2015
Financial <-> P=4 I=5
Operating in high hazard prone districts, interventions might face shocks/hazards while being implemented. Ensure a cross-cutting, long-term approach of interventions which are able to continue even in the case of disruption. Crisis modifier activated and a functional high frequency monitoring system has been put in place to monitors shocks and stresses.
Implementing partners, Steering Committee
8 Reduced donor and government funds
Programme proposal October 2015
Financial Decreased from P3 to P1
P=2 I=5
Build a base of potential co-donors, government and identify/raise private sector resources to work within existing structures. 72M committed by December 2017 and prospects for the remaining 3 M to be raised during 2018
PMU
9 Liquidity is Programme Financial P=5 The liquidity constrain is Steering
63
# DESCRIPTION DATE IDENTIFIED
TYPE Tracking ↓, ↑, ↔
IMPACT - I 1 (low) to 5 (high) & PROBABILITY - P1 (low) to 5 (high)
COUNTERMEASURES / MNGT RESPONSE/MITIGATION MEASURES
OWNER
constrained and markets are not functioning properly
proposal October 2015
Increased P from 2 to 4 (during 1st quarter and to P5 3rd Quarter2016 but dropped to P4 1st
quarter 2017)
I=4 currently affecting the way partners and market can operate. ZRBF has worked closely with Grantee partners to minimize the impact. UNDP has agreed to transferring advances to off shore accounts to ensure procurement and imports are not affected. Partners have organized within consortia for joint procurements and Consortia leads have supported smaller organizations open bank accounts with Banks which can offer more liquidity. The situation is being monitored closely, as a number of banks. are currently not disbursing cash in a number of districts. The introduction of bond notes has done little to address liquidity challenges. However, consortia are coping with the situation
Committee
64
# DESCRIPTION DATE IDENTIFIED
TYPE Tracking ↓, ↑, ↔
IMPACT - I 1 (low) to 5 (high) & PROBABILITY - P1 (low) to 5 (high)
COUNTERMEASURES / MNGT RESPONSE/MITIGATION MEASURES
OWNER
and project activities has not been significantly affected.
10 Fraud within the programme
Programme proposal October 2015
Financial Increased from P3 to P4
P=4 I=3
Funds will be channelled through UNDP with approved financial management and audit systems. Expenditure will be carefully monitored to ensure it is being used for the defined purposes, in line with accounting procedures. UNDP will provide due diligence assessment for all sub-contracted parties. Financial verifications and spot checks are conducted once a year Expenditure reports are also generated. ZRBF has developed an overview of the partner organization’s fraud policies and are monitoring implementation closely
PMU, Implementing partners, Grantees
65
# DESCRIPTION DATE IDENTIFIED
TYPE Tracking ↓, ↑, ↔
IMPACT - I 1 (low) to 5 (high) & PROBABILITY - P1 (low) to 5 (high)
COUNTERMEASURES / MNGT RESPONSE/MITIGATION MEASURES
OWNER
To mitigate fraud among downstream sub grantees- Grantees conduct expenditure verification for their sub-grantees and this is also verified during quarterly financial verification by ZRBF PMU. Expenditure will be carefully monitored to ensure it is being used for the defined purposes, in line with Agreed accounting procedures. A delivery chain risk management exercise is currently being rolled out. Partners are urged to take insurance against fraud
11 Implementing partners don’t deliver per agreement
Programme proposal October 2015
Organizational P increased from 1 to 2 (Q3 2017)
P=2 I=5
Support structures for creation and maintenance of strategic alliances for improved governance of implementation will be strengthened locally and at central level.
PMU
12 Capacities to use Early Warning
Programme proposal
Organizational <-> P=2 I=3
Participate in on-going national dialogue on early warning
PMU, Steering Committee
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# DESCRIPTION DATE IDENTIFIED
TYPE Tracking ↓, ↑, ↔
IMPACT - I 1 (low) to 5 (high) & PROBABILITY - P1 (low) to 5 (high)
COUNTERMEASURES / MNGT RESPONSE/MITIGATION MEASURES
OWNER
Systems are inadequate, which impacts on delivery of the crisis modifier
October 2015
capacity. Support implementation of EW mechanisms at local. A strategic partnership to come on board in June 2018 will further strengthen the EW aspects of ZRBFs work
13 Failure to perform by other programmes in the districts of implementation. This affects resilience programming.
Programmatic <-> P=3 I=4
The Steering Committee will advocate with other programmes to address gaps identified during resilience programming.
Steering Committee, PMU
