Harare | May 21, 2025 – AfricaHeadline
The African Development Bank has approved a $10.12 million grant to Zimbabwe through its concessional arm, the African Development Fund, aimed at boosting sustainable agricultural production and enhancing the resilience of rural communities most affected by drought.
AfricaHeadline Reports Team
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The initiative, known as the Zimbabwe Agricultural Value Chain and Livelihoods Enhancement Project (AVCLEP), will directly benefit 7,000 livestock farmers and 42,000 smallholder crop farmers across the provinces of Matabeleland South, Masvingo, and Bulawayo—regions that are highly vulnerable to climate change and livestock-dependent.
The project includes the rehabilitation of livestock dip tanks, installation of solar-powered boreholes, promotion of climate-smart agricultural practices, and improvements in market access and value chain integration for small and medium-sized enterprises in the agricultural sector.
Beyond direct beneficiaries, an estimated 90,000 community members will gain from enhanced water supply infrastructure, veterinary services, and rural livelihood programs. The project is expected to create 200 full-time jobs and 2,800 seasonal employment opportunities, with average household income projected to rise from $85 to $120 per month.
“This investment is a critical intervention to improve food security and build climate resilience in Zimbabwe’s most vulnerable agricultural communities,” said Moono Mupotola, Deputy Director General for Southern Africa and Country Manager for Zimbabwe at the African Development Bank.
Implementation is set to begin in June 2025, with completion targeted for December 2029. The initiative underscores the government’s commitment to transforming the agriculture sector while addressing the mounting challenges of climate change.
“The project will enhance adaptive capacity, promote sustainable economic opportunities, and build resilience in rural communities,” said Martin Fregene, Director of Agriculture and Agro-Industry at the African Development Bank. “We look forward to working with all stakeholders to deliver impactful solutions in the regions hardest hit by climate change.”
