Early Response to Food Insecurity

The primary goal of the project was to support food-insecure children and families in Epworth, Zimbabwe, through early intervention to mitigate an anticipated food crisis in 2020. The project aimed to provide immediate assistance to 410 households, focusing on community gardening and poultry farming. The project successfully achieved its objectives and exceeded the target population, reaching 2134 individuals, including 1364 children.

Key Results

410 households received training on community gardening and poultry farming. Specific guidelines were printed and distributed to ensure effective management of these projects. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the project shifted from cash transfers to in-kind contributions. Essential inputs, including fast-maturing seeds and point-of-lay birds, were procured and distributed to beneficiaries.

Three solar-powered borehole irrigation systems were installed in community gardens. Despite some challenges, such as the need to deepen one borehole and replace another, the systems provided essential water supply for gardening activities.

The project reached 2134 people, including 940 females under 18 and 424 males under 18. It prioritized vulnerable groups, such as child-headed households (38.5%), the elderly (24.5%), and people with disabilities (20.4%). 87% of households reported better food security, with poultry project participants receiving an average of 4 eggs per day and gardening participants obtaining sufficient vegetables for their families. 17% of beneficiaries were able to start small businesses from the surplus produce, enhancing their economic resilience. The project effectively addressed the needs of different beneficiary groups by tailoring interventions to their specific vulnerabilities, ensuring a more targeted and impactful response.

Community Engagement and Sustainability

Local stakeholders, including the Department of Social Services, schools, and community-based organizations, were involved throughout the project. This fostered a sense of ownership and enhanced the sustainability of the interventions. Beneficiaries received extensive training, equipping them with lifelong skills in gardening and poultry farming. Community volunteers played a crucial role in mobilization, monitoring, and support. Security measures included placing gardens at secure locations like schools and involving multiple stakeholders to prevent political interference. The project adapted to COVID-19 by shifting to in-kind contributions. Measures to prevent sexual harassment and exploitation included ensuring staff and volunteers worked in pairs, providing training on safeguarding principles, and establishing robust complaint mechanisms.

Monitoring, Learning, and Coordination

The project employed participatory monitoring involving community volunteers and regular reporting. This ensured accountability and continuous feedback from beneficiaries. Key learnings included the importance of community ownership, volunteer involvement, and the need for flexibility in response to changing circumstances like the COVID-19 pandemic. The project collaborated with various stakeholders, including local authorities and other humanitarian organizations, to ensure a coordinated and complementary response.

Conclusion

The Early Action project in Epworth, Zimbabwe, was a timely and effective intervention that significantly improved food security for vulnerable households. By involving the community, adapting to challenges, and providing essential training, the project not only alleviated immediate suffering but also strengthened local capacities for future resilience.