The Midlands Province of Zimbabwe relies on agriculture, mining, and manufacturing, with gold and chrome mining dominating its economy. The 2024 drought severely affected agriculture, leading to reduced crop yields, water shortages, and heightened food insecurity, especially in its rural parts. Socially, the diverse province faces challenges such as youth unemployment and limited access to education, compounded by the drought’s impact on livelihoods.
The iMoved project came as a panacea to the plethora of drought effects, equipping women with skills, resources, and opportunities to rebuild their lives and communities. Funded by the Embassy of Sweden in Zimbabwe and implemented through We Effect, Women and Land in Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Dairy Industry Trust, and the Zimbabwe Association of Dairy Farmers, the project is changing narratives one household at a time.
According to ACT Alliance, young women in Zimbabwe’s Midlands Province face significant challenges during droughts, including increased risks of gender-based violence and child marriage as families struggle to cope with resource scarcity.
Additionally, young women encounter limited access to economic opportunities, with systemic gender disparities hindering their participation in sectors like agriculture and mining the World Bank Blogs adds. On the other hand, social norms further restrict their access to education, land ownership, and financial resources, exacerbating their vulnerability during crises according to ZimStat the Zimbabwe official government citizen data collection department.
For Melody Moyo, joining the Somabhula Agricultural Hub marked the beginning of a new chapter. As a single mother of three, Melody struggled to make ends meet despite her college education. “I had never held a job and couldn’t provide basic meals or school fees for my children,” she recalls. That changed when she became a milk attendant at the Somabhula Milk Collection Centre, earning US$150 monthly.

“With this income, I can support my children, contribute to the Internal Savings and Lending Scheme (ISALs), and even save for the future. Starting in 2025, I plan to buy a dairy cow or calf every six months to achieve my dream of becoming a full-time dairy farmer,” she says with determination.
Leadership development is another cornerstone of the iMoved project. In the Chiundura Agricultural Hub in Gweru Rural District under Midlands Province, Lilian Tafireyi was selected by her peers to lead two greenhouses established under the initiative. Passionate about agriculture, Lilian motivates her team to remain productive and focused.
“Seeing our progress inspires me daily,” she says. The hub is harvesting an average of 110 crates of tomatoes weekly, with Unki Mine as a preferred market for a minimum of US$15 per crate. “This income will help us improve our livelihoods and venture into dairy farming, increasing household incomes and ensuring our families’ needs are met,” Lilian shares confidently.
To support women in the Midlands Province, targeted programs that increase access to education, skills training, and financial resources are crucial. Expanding climate-resilient agricultural practices and equitable land ownership can boost economic independence and strengthening legal frameworks to promote gender equality and address systemic biases is essential. (UN Women, FAO, World Bank).
We Effect with funding from the Embassy of Sweden in Zimbabwe and its partners, including Women and Land in Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Dairy Industry Trust, and the Zimbabwe Association of Dairy Farmers, are empowering women improved participation in viable agricultural value chains that are supported by accessing financial services that are sensitive to smallholder farmers. Initiatives like the iMoved project support employment creation, savings groups, and climate-resilient farming to boost livelihoods. These efforts promote gender equality and economic resilience for women in the Midlands.