South Western Zimbabwe

Further Developments

According to the Report from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (2016), Zimbabwe has, over the last decade, experienced a number of unprecedented economic, environmental and political shocks and stresses, many of which will have long-lasting impacts. Poverty, food insecurity, malnutrition, and environmental degradation are serious challenges in Zimbabwe, particularly in rural areas, and will continue to be challenging due to the effects of climate change. The macroeconomic situation that Zimbabwe is currently facing gravely exacerbates the problems associated with crop production.

Although there are significant differences in poverty rates among the ten provinces, it is most common and prevalent in the low rainfall areas of Matabeleland North and Matabeleland South provinces, falling within agro-ecological regions IV and V, receiving annual rainfall ranging between 400-650mm. Inyathi Communal Area is the proposed project area for the Good Gardeners Project. It lies within Bubi District of Matabeleland province of Zimbabwe and is administered by Bubi Rural District Council. The poverty prevalence is 88%. Project Justification Below is the overview of the severity needs in the project area. The households are particularly vulnerable to food insecurity due to their agroecological conditions. This situation is further aggravated by the poor and erratic rains in the last decade. The district has received less than 60 percent of its long term average rainfall.

The poor performance of the rainfall over the years has resulted in a significant decrease in the area planted. This has also been exacerbated by cumulative livestock deaths and population increase. Malnutrition rate is 5.7 percent, the highest ever reached in the past 15 years and 5 percent above the WHO cut-off point. The Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) rate for children aged 6-59 months was 2.1 percent which is slightly above the 2 percent threshold for emergency response in Zimbabwe. While the unavailability of potable water predisposes the community to water-borne diseases. Malnutrition also makes the community more vulnerable to all infectious agents. Drought and food insecurity has negatively impacted on children’s well-being and access to basic social services. In particular, it has affected their access to education 1 | Page s and diminished their learning opportunities in multiple ways.(e.g. increased student absenteeism, poor concentration in class, and hunger-related fainting at school ). This has also been exacerbated by the shortage of drinking water. On the other hand, livelihood pressures on families has resulted in parents not being able to meet the cost of education, leading to drop out of children and involvement in other social activities in order to earn a living.

There is a lack of water for both domestic, agricultural and livestock watering purposes. There is a high risk of water insecurity and this also compromises the viability of general gardening projects, sanitation and hygiene. This is why the HH-2 and HH-3 systems are essential.  The relative severity of the need within the project area justifies the placement of the Good Gardeners waste management and sanitation systems HH-2 and HH-3 respectively These systems with the training given by the Good Gardeners team will suffice for all the objectives of the project and will be establishedfor way into the future. Objectives Households that have suffered significant crop write-offs and livestock losses should be the focus of the project interventions. Due to food insecurity, children, pregnant and lactating women’s access to diversified The Good Gardeners International project of composting with the HH-2 will minimize moisture losses both in the system of composting and in the soil. This ensures that the crops get the benefit of all the available moisture. This in conjunction with the installation of the HH-3 DRY toilets will ensure the available water resources are prevented from becoming contaminated by effluent runoff. The project aim is to increase the soil fertility to such a degree that it will achieve natural pest and disease resistance which will automatically increase the crop yield. No chemical fertilisers or pesticides are required with this system of agriculture and will thus save the community all the associated costs.

Target groups

Rural households of Village 4, in Ward 11 of Inyathi Communal Area, Bubi District, and communities in Matabeleland North Province of Zimbabwe.

Expected outputs

● The project will contribute to the following:

● Reduced food insecurity

● Improved soil fertility resulting in increased crop yields

● improved soil and water conservation

● Reduce malnutrition

● Reduced mortality rates due to improved health and nutrition

● Improved active participation of children in schools and their concentration

● Critical hygiene and sanitation practices improved.

● Reduction in the risk of water and hygiene-related diseases.

Project Location and Background

The project will be undertaken at Inyathi Communal Area in Bubi District, Zimbabwe. This is 75 kilometres north of the city of Bulawayo. The proposed specific area of attention is the households in Village 4 in Ward 11. Project sustainability The training, awareness-raising and capacity-building element of the project has in-built sustainability beyond the life of the project. All stakeholders will understand better the project concept and the benefits of the HH-2, HH-3 systems. Networking relationships with a variety of different partners will be invaluable for the implementation and sustainability of this project. Direct engagement of beneficiaries in training and implementation will generate community ownership of the initiative during and lasting into the future.

Project Location and Background

The project will be undertaken at Inyathi Communal Area in Bubi District, Zimbabwe. This is 75 kilometres north of the city of Bulawayo. The proposed specific area of attention is the households in Village 4 in Ward 11. Project sustainability: The training, awareness-raising and capacity-building element of the project has in-built sustainability beyond the life of the project. All stakeholders will understand better the project concept and the benefits of the HH-2, HH-3 and HH-4 systems. Networking relationships with a variety of different partners will be invaluable for the implementation and sustainability of this project. Direct engagement of beneficiaries in training and implementation will generate community ownership of the initiative during and well beyond the project’s life.

Project Management

The money will be raised and the project will be coordinated by Good Gardeners International, implemented by Endev Consulting Limited, in conjunction with the communities, and the Department of Agriculture. Endev Consulting Limited will manage the day-to-day implementation of the project.

Monitoring and Evaluation

At the outset indicators, systems and guidelines for monitoring and evaluation which will include both qualitative and quantitative information will be established. The indicators will be set up through consultation with all the stakeholders. Project monitoring and evaluation will be participatory and ongoing. Reports will be submitted to the Donor. A log frame will be created to keep track of progress, impact and to control activities. Linkages/Potential Partners: Good Gardeners International, Endev Consulting Limited, Donors and local stakeholder networks active in agriculture and sustainable livelihoods will be partners in the project. For the purposes of the donor and linkages amongst the potential partners, Memoranda of Understanding shall be entered into to streamline and agree on the working arrangements. The key components of the approach to this partnership will focus on: A common understanding of the framework, culture, values, and approach of partner organizations and a clear understanding of individual each organisation’s roles and responsibilities regarding the division of labour. A shared common vision and purpose that builds trust and openness and recognizes the value and contribution of all members.

Creating a working relationship that ensures understanding and an acceptance of differences (e.g., values, ways of working) and respect for the contributions of all partners Creating an atmosphere of learning, investing in partner skills and knowledge. This may involve monitoring and evaluation aimed at improving members’ performance. Investing in partner skills, knowledge, and competence needs to be highly valued within the partnership. Effective communication at all levels within the partnership and within partner organizations, sharing and accessing all knowledge and information. Management practices and resources required to achieve the partnership goals and to complement the intended purpose of the partnership. Ensuring members demonstrate accountability for the actions they take and ownership of delivery of the objectives and targets for which they are responsible.

Terms and Conditions

Upon approval of a proposal and budget, the project will receive the funding and necessary resources for the implementation of the assignment, in accordance with the Donor rules and regulations for contracting service providers.