Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe, a landlocked country in southern Africa, faces severe issues with poverty, food insecurity, and housing, exacerbated by climate risks. Around 6 million people are expected to experience food insecurity during the 2024-2025 lean season in Zimbabwe due to drought. The country also struggles with high rates of acute malnutrition, worsened by COVID-19, and a significant housing deficit of two million units.
We Effect has been actively engaged in Zimbabwe since 1984, working to improve the lives of those living in poverty, with a particular focus on rural areas and women. Since establishing its Country Office in 1996, We Effect has provided significant support to local civil society organizations involved in agriculture, housing, and cooperative finance. This effort aims to enhance livelihoods and empower communities by strengthening these organizations and enabling them to deliver member-driven services effectively.
From 1997 to 2009, the Zimbabwe office also served as the Regional Office for Southern Africa before relocating to Zambia. In 2013, We Effect rebranded from its previous name, Swedish Cooperative Center (SCC), to We Effect to better reflect its global mission and expanded focus.
In Zimbabwe, We Effect’s core mission includes mobilizing resources and building the capacity of partner organizations to ensure sustainable service delivery and effective advocacy for members’ rights. The country faces severe challenges, with a population of approximately 15.2 million people. Food insecurity is a major concern, with about 6 million people expected to experience shortages during the 2024-2025 lean season due to drought. Malnutrition has also worsened since the COVID-19 pandemic, with 23.5% of children suffering from stunting and acute malnutrition affecting many others.
To address these challenges, We Effect focuses on rural development by promoting small-scale entrepreneurship and business growth, enhancing farming practices, and improving market access for smallholder farmers. The organization also supports women’s rights and housing cooperatives. Key strategies include digitizing educational materials for broader access through study circles, supporting financial services through savings and loan groups, and utilizing ICT for agricultural information and e-marketing to connect farmers with markets. Additionally, forming Commodity Associations and implementing the lead farmer concept help boost farm productivity and market engagement.
Zimbabwe, situated in southern Africa between the Zambezi and Limpopo rivers, has a population of approximately 15.2 million. The country faces significant challenges, including a large housing deficit of two million units and severe food insecurity, with about 6 million people expected to face food shortages during the 2024-2025 lean season due to drought conditions.
Malnutrition remains a critical issue, worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic, with 15,000 children treated annually for severe wasting and 23.5% of children suffering from stunting. Climate variability is intensifying, leading to erratic rainfall, frequent droughts, and rising temperatures that adversely affect agriculture and exacerbate food insecurity.
The country also struggles with high vulnerability to natural hazards such as droughts, floods, and storms, which cause substantial economic damage and impact millions of people. Gender inequality further compounds these issues, with significant disparities in reproductive health, empowerment, and the labor market, underscoring the need for targeted policies and international assistance to improve living conditions and promote sustainable development.
Results in Zimbabwe
- Supported 52,000 rights holders: We Effect has provided essential support to a significant number of rights holders in Zimbabwe, ensuring they have access to resources, opportunities, and advocacy necessary for their development and empowerment.
- Empowered 55 cooperatives, including dairy and commodity associations: The organization has worked with 55 cooperatives, focusing on both dairy and commodity sectors. This empowerment has strengthened these cooperatives’ operational capacities, enhancing their productivity and sustainability.
- Enabled 43,800 women to gain access to essential resources and opportunities: We Effect has facilitated access for 43,800 women, ensuring they can benefit from resources, training, and opportunities that support their economic and social advancement.
- Assisted 46,000 farmers in shifting to organic and climate-resilient farming practices: The organization has helped 46,000 farmers adopt organic and climate-resilient farming methods. This shift promotes environmental sustainability and increases the resilience of agricultural practices against climate change.
- Provided support to 52,000 families, contributing to enhanced livelihoods and sustainable development: By supporting 52,000 families, We Effect has made a significant impact on improving their livelihoods. This support includes various interventions that contribute to long-term sustainable development and overall well-being.
Theresia – from striker to councillor
There came a point when Theresa Marwei had simply had enough. Throughout her adult life, in addition to looking after her children and husband, she had worked herself to the bone in agriculture without seeing a penny. “I went on strike,” she explains. For two years I refused to cook, wash my husband’s clothes, or farm the land.