HARARE, Zimbabwe — The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in Zimbabwe officially launched Phase 2 of the Zimbabwe Resilience Building Fund (ZRBF) on Tuesday. The initiative, supported by the European Union and the Government of Ireland in partnership with the Government of Zimbabwe, aims to strengthen resilience among vulnerable rural communities.
ZRBF is a multi-year program focused on sustainable natural resource management, climate action, improved food and nutrition security, and mitigating the impact of natural disasters. The launch and signing ceremony took place at UNDP’s Arundel Office Park, bringing together key stakeholders.
UNDP Zimbabwe Resident Representative Dr. Ayodele Odusola delivered opening remarks, followed by FAO Resident Representative Dr. Patrice Talla and development partners. The event included testimonies from program participants and district-level stakeholders, highlighting the program’s impact on communities.
Irish Ambassador Austin Gormley and EU Ambassador Jobst von Kirchmann noted the importance of long-term resilience investments.
Speaking at the launch, Ambassador Gormley said, “I am excited to be part of this joint programme and urge all partners and stakeholders to fully commit to its success. The Zimbabwe Resilience Building Fund will directly support ordinary men and women in communities at risk of climate hazards.”
Gormley emphasized the program’s direct support to communities facing climate hazards, while von Kirchmann highlighted the need for sustained collaboration to drive lasting change. Other EU member states were also represented by their ambassadors.
UN Resident Coordinator Eddie Kallon and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, Prof. Jiri, reinforced their commitment to enhancing climate resilience and food security in Zimbabwe.
ZRBF Phase 2 builds on the success of the first phase by scaling up best practices and ensuring sustainability. Covering seven rural districts—Binga, Kariba, Mbire, Hurungwe, Mwenezi, Chiredzi, and Beitbridge—the initiative aims to support more than 450,000 people by 2028.
The second phase will focus on generating evidence and building institutional capacity, improving natural resource management, enhancing sustainable livelihood options, and strengthening climate and disaster risk governance. The program is aligned with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), the Zimbabwe United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (ZUNSDCF), and the EU’s Multi-Annual Indicative Programme for Zimbabwe (2021-2027).
ZRBF Phase 2 is funded by the EU and the Government of Ireland, with a budget of US$17.24 million. The program is implemented by UNDP, FAO, and the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in collaboration with the Zimbabwean government, local authorities, and development partners.
The launch event concluded with a press briefing, providing media representatives an opportunity to engage with UNDP, FAO, and development partners on the program’s objectives and expected impact. UNDP Zimbabwe invited stakeholders to collaborate and follow the progress of ZRBF Phase 2 in transforming the resilience landscape in Zimbabwe.
