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Zimbabwe

Where We Work

Zimbabwe

Once known as the ‘breadbasket of Africa’, Zimbabwe today struggles with hyperinflation, widespread poverty and political instability. Chronic malnutrition caused by widespread food shortages, a failing health system and high rates of HIV infection mean that nearly half of the country’s population live in extreme poverty.

The impact of your support in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe

Population: 16 million

Program snapshot: Zimbabwe Integrated Community Development 

We work with our longstanding partners Caritas Hwange, Caritas Gokwe and Caritas Gweru on the Zimbabwe Integrated Community to empower communities to use their assets and strengths to forge a path out of poverty.
The program focuses on improving food security, nutrition and income as well as strengthening access to clean water so that children can stay healthy and spend more time at school instead of walking long distances to collect water.
Along with your generous support, this program is supported by the Australian Government, through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP).

Priscilla With Her Family Outside Their Home

Families have better food security, nutrition and increased income.

Priscilla Practices Conservation Farming Skills She Learned From Caritas Hwange

Communities are more resilient and able to adapt to the impacts of climate change.

Thandolwayo Outside Her Home Holding Water In Zimbabwe, Caritas Australia

People can have improved and sustainable access to clean water in communities and schools.

Priscilla Grandchildren Studying Outside Their Home

Children can stay healthy and have improved hygiene practices.

Priscilla Holds Dry Leaves Of A Failed Crop Due To Drought In Zimbabwe

Priscilla's story

Climate change is presenting unprecedented challenges for people living in the most vulnerable and remote communities in Zimbabwe. Priscilla lives with her husband, Charles, and two grandchildren in the Hwange region, which is currently experiencing an intense drought.

With the support of Caritas Hwange, Priscilla and her community learnt conservation farming to grow drought-resistant crops. From her increased harvest, she was able to sell her crops and start poultry farming, selling eggs to grow her income stream and helping pay for her grandchildren’s education.

Caritas Hwange also helped rehabilitate the dip tank in her community so that Priscilla’s cattle can be healthy and free from tick-borne diseases. With the knowledge and skills acquired through the program, Priscilla and her family have a safety net to protect them during this current drought.  

Caritas Hwange came in with the idea of implementing Gachompo (conservation farming), which tremendously improved our crop germination rates. With Gachompo, minimum rainfall is sufficient to support growth of our crops as the method ensures better water retention by the soil.

Priscilla

Priscilla's story

With the support of Caritas Hwange, Priscilla learnt conservation farming skills to grow drought-resistant crops and started poultry farming to support her family during the current food crisis.