Name of project
Starting date
2008
Main objective
Amount contributed
5 000 000 SEK (2008)
Results
Sida support to FAO began in 2008. FAO is the lead agency for agriculture, forestry, fisheries and rural development. In Zimbabwe, FAO works in conjunction with the WFP and other humanitarian agencies to help people rebuild their lives. FAO has been coordinating the Agriculture Working Group which comprises of UN agencies, government, donors and NGOs and meets monthly to share information and coordinate around agriculture related topics.
The 2006/2007 agriculture season was unable to provide adequate food and national cereal production. In 2007 it was estimated to be 44% below the 2006 government reported figure and in the first quarter of 2008 4.1 million people face food insecurity. Agricultural assistance to small scale farmers is crucial. In 2006/7 FAO assisted about 315,000 households with seed and fertiliser. For the 2007/8 seasons, projections show that over 200,000 households will receive seed and/or fertiliser assistance, which is 17% lower compared to the previous year. Sida support is going to be used for the provision of basic agricultural Inputs and extension support to smallholder farmers in the communal sector. The intended support will enable 200 000 communal farmers to produce sufficient food for their own consumption and produce some surplus to generate income. Through hands on extension farmers will be enabled to improve their farming practices. This, in combination with the input support will increase yields significantly. Farmers will be able to produce sufficient food for their own consumption and some surplus for sale, reducing food insecurity and improving livelihoods.
General information