FAO Agricultural Voucher System Strengthens Food Security and Safeguards Communities in Zimbabwe
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in partnership with the Government of Zimbabwe and funded by the French Government, has strengthened food security and community resilience through its Agricultural Voucher System under the Nourish and Thrive: Inclusive and Sustainable Nutrition and Livelihoods Initiative Project.
The initiative provides rural households in drought-affected areas of Masvingo and Mwenezi districts with subsidised access to high-quality, drought-tolerant seeds and agricultural inputs. By distributing input packages through a voucher system, the project enhances households’ capacity to recover from El Niño-induced climate shocks, fostering sustainable livelihoods and long-term food security.
The programme targeted 4,000 households across selected wards, ensuring timely access to nutritious crops and essential farming resources. Local leaders, agro-dealers, and project participants attended the voucher distribution, highlighting the initiative’s focus on inclusive and resilient agrifood systems.
Beyond agricultural support, FAO integrated a strong Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) component. Beneficiaries and stakeholders were trained on preventing exploitation and abuse by humanitarian workers, promoting accountability, awareness, and safe programme delivery.
Ruramai Sibiya of World Vision Zimbabwe highlighted the importance of proactive awareness, saying, “A stitch in time saves nine. Sharing knowledge is vital to prevent exploitation and abuse.”
FAO also trained Voucher Redeeming Suppliers (VRS) on the Identification, Delivery and Empowerment Application (IDEA) platform, a digital tool for beneficiary data management and voucher redemption. The training ensured transparency, efficiency, and smooth delivery of agricultural inputs while reinforcing accountability at all levels.
Dumisani Simango, an agro-dealer from Masvingo, praised the initiative, stating, “The training on preventing sexual exploitation and abuse was very educative. I thank the FAO team for this opportunity.”
FAO’s PSEA Focal Person, Leticia Njowola, reiterated the organisation’s commitment to a zero-tolerance policy on exploitation and abuse, emphasising that safeguarding communities is essential for sustainable and inclusive agrifood systems.
Through the Nourish and Thrive Project, FAO continues to support vulnerable communities in Zimbabwe, ensuring they recover from climate shocks while thriving in safe, accountable, and inclusive environments.
