African Development Bank Approves $25 Million Grant for Climate Resilience in Zimbabwe
The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has approved a significant financial boost of US$25 million to support rural communities in Zimbabwe that have been severely impacted by climate change. This grant is designed to address the growing challenges faced by smallholder farmers, improve grazing areas and water resources, and encourage private sector investment in the region.
The funding will be used to implement the Zimbabwe Agricultural Climate Resilient and Vulnerability Reduction Project (ACRES). This initiative aims to enhance climate resilience, improve food security, and create economic opportunities for thousands of vulnerable rural households. The project is set to run from 2026 to 2030 and will focus on some of the most climate-vulnerable regions in the country.
Targeted Regions and Beneficiaries
The ACRES project will primarily target Masvingo Province, specifically the Gutu district, and Matabeleland South, which includes the Gwanda, Matobo, Mangwe, and Bulilima districts. These areas are known for their high livestock populations and are particularly exposed to erratic and declining rainfall patterns.
The project is expected to directly benefit approximately 92,500 smallholder farmers, with at least 50% being women and 20% being youth. These individuals face persistent food insecurity, recurrent droughts, and limited economic opportunities, which have contributed to widespread poverty and irregular migration.
In addition to the direct beneficiaries, an estimated 200,000 people in surrounding communities will also see indirect benefits through improved infrastructure and stronger food systems. This includes enhanced nutrition and greater economic stability.
Economic Opportunities and Employment
ACRES is projected to generate 320 full-time jobs and around 2,100 seasonal jobs across crop and livestock value chains. This employment opportunity is expected to provide much-needed income for local residents and stimulate economic growth in the targeted regions.
Eyerusalem Fasika, an AfDB representative, emphasized the importance of this investment. “This investment represents a critical intervention to build climate resilience, reduce vulnerability and improve food and nutrition security in Zimbabwe’s most vulnerable rural communities,” she said.
Martin Fregene, the AfDB director of Agriculture and Agro-Industry, highlighted that the project aligns with the bank’s strategic priorities set by its president, Sidi Ould Tah. “The project will enhance adaptive capacity, promote sustainable economic opportunities and strengthen rural communities’ resilience to climate change within the target areas,” he added.
Strengthening Rural Development
The AfDB has long been a key partner in Zimbabwe’s rural development, supporting various programs aimed at reducing food insecurity and poverty. The ACRES initiative further strengthens this partnership and underscores the government’s focus on climate-smart agriculture and investment in agricultural infrastructure as central components of its development strategy.
Conclusion
With the approval of the US$25 million grant, the AfDB is making a meaningful contribution to Zimbabwe’s efforts to combat the effects of climate change. By focusing on smallholder agriculture, water resources, and economic opportunities, the ACRES project is poised to bring lasting benefits to rural communities. As the project moves forward, it will serve as a model for similar initiatives in other parts of the continent.
