WCC NEWS: Food systems project coordinated by United Church of Canada, Zimbabwe Council of Churches, and Canadian Foodgrains Bank

A joint multi-year sustainable food systems project between The United Church of Canada, Zimbabwe Council of Churches, and Canadian Foodgrains Bank is increasing food security with community-led solutions. Photo: Paul Jeffrey/Life on Earth 28 October 2024 In Zimbabwe, as severe drought and food shortages take a toll, the Zimbabwe Council of Churches is leading efforts to support communities through these challenges. In partnership with The United Church of Canada and the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, the Zimbabwe Council of Churches’ “Scaling Up Resilience Project” is providing practical long-term solutions. Focusing on climate-smart farming, gender equality, and community-driven initiatives, the project is helping families strengthen their resilience and build a more secure future. Zimbabwe faces many hardships from frequent droughts, unpredictable rains, tropical cyclones, economic instability, and disease outbreaks, including cholera. Many people are facing severe food insecurity—including in the Bikita and Gutu districts, where about 43% and 60% of people, respectively, are affected. The pressure of scarcity doesn’t just affect the dinner table—gender-based violence is on the rise, and many families can no longer afford to send their children to school. In the face of these challenges, the Scaling Up Resilience Program will reach 1,376 households—or about 6,880 people—with practical training that addresses some of the challenges. Participants will receive training in gender-sensitive, climate-smart agriculture by using a lead farmer model, where farmers learn from one another. Elderly people, those with disabilities, and youth will be included to ensure they have equal access to support and opportunities. Communities are becoming more resilient by strengthening their early warning systems for natural disasters.  Repairing and creating essential infrastructure—like community weir dams, soil and water conservation works, and irrigation schemes—will allow families to grow more food and conserve water. Women farmers will be supported to become leaders in their communities. Men will also be leaders, fostering a shared commitment to gender equality and positive community change. The program will help households set up and expand savings and loans programs so they can invest in their family, farms, and businesses, leading to greater stability and growth.  Link to the project See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 352 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland