Last week the EU unveiled a $12 million contribution, which will run from 2013 to 2015 and is aimed at increasing agricultural productivity and food security.
The project will be carried out in Chivi, Gutu, Masvingo and Centenary and is mainly targeting youths and the disabled who have access to land and labour.
Speaking at the official launch of ZEST, EU Ambassador, Aldo Dell’ Ariccia said the project is aimed at developing and testing methods of improving access to agricultural extension for field crops, livestock and horticulture.
ZEST will improve farm and household productivity through the adoption of higher yielding and drought tolerant crops, strengthening farm management skills through training and the provision of input support.
“With this support farmers will intensify and diversify production with a leaning towards improved food security, dietary requirements and income generation, thereby increasing resilience to external shocks and mitigating the impact of HIV/AIDS,” Aldo Dell’ Ariccia said.
The funds will be administered by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation, the German Academy for International Cooperation and a non-governmental organisation, HELP, from Germany.
Post published in: Agriculture