By Admore Mbonda in Kariba
KARIBA— UNDP Zimbabwe, working with the Government of Zimbabwe and the Green Climate Fund (GCF), has released an updated account of progress under the Climate Resilient Livelihoods (CRL) Project, documenting how communities across Southern Zimbabwe are not only protecting their livelihoods from climate shocks, but also strengthening their earnings through more reliable farming practices and market access.
The latest March April 2026 update highlights a shift toward farm decisions guided by information, supported by technology, and anchored in commercial partnerships helping households improve food security while building sustainable income streams.
According to the report, many farmers are moving away from climate vulnerable routines and toward climate roofed irrigation systems, enabling them to increase production and diversify crops. Farmers reported expanding maize, sugar beans, wheat, Michigan pea beans and chilli pepper production supported by improved water management intended to reduce losses during dry spells and unpredictable weather patterns.
In addition, the CRL Project says private sector partnerships are playing a key role in improving livelihoods.
Through contract farming arrangements, participating farmers receive inputs, technical support, and critically greater price certainty, which reduces the risk that farmers face when output and income depend solely on fluctuating markets.
“The whole approach is helping us plan better. We are not guessing there is support, there is guidance, and there are buyers,” said the project update, pointing to training and market linkage interventions.
The programme also reported that 188 farmers were trained in marketed production, equipping them to identify buyers, understand market requirements, and produce based on demand rather than planting blindly.
On the advisory side, climate knowledge is being strengthened through targeted capacity building.
The update notes that climate information services are improving through training of153 extension officers and technical staff, who develop localized agro meteorological advisories to support climate smart decision making at community level.
UNDP Zimbabwe further stated that 98% of AGRITEX officer are now using weather and climate forecasts in their advisory work, while 99% are disseminating climate and agricultural information inclusively to women, men and youth, ensuring more equitable access to critical guidance.
Women, in particular, are benefiting from labour saving tools. The update notes that women’s participation and productivity are increasing through technologies such as threshers, augers and grinder choppers, which reduce drudgery and save time while also creating opportunities for new income activities.
Financial resilience, the update says, is also strengthening through ISAL Integrated Savings and Lending groups, where households build savings buffers to better cope with climate shocks.
A total of 3,400 members across 351 groups were assessed, with 79% of them women, reinforcing the programme’s emphasis on inclusive, community-led economic resilience.
The project’s progress was also showcased during ZITF 2026, where CRL innovations were presented to a wider audience. UNDP said the participation helped expand partnerships and promoted practical climate-resilient solutions that can be adopted beyond the project’s immediate communities.
In an interview with gemnation Climate Resilient Livelihoods Project.manger,Mr. Rungano Benza said“Climate resilience is not only about helping communities withstand shocks; it is also about enabling them to thrive economically.”
One of the beneficiaries Mrs Clara Phiri said “Before, we depended on luck. Now we use the forecasts and irrigation support, and we understand what buyers want. This has changed how our household makes decisions.”
“The savings groups and the technologies we received are making a real difference. I can save, invest, and respond faster when climate surprises happen.”
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