The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in partnership with the Government of Zimbabwe and funded by the French Government, has coordinated the Agricultural Voucher System under the Nourish and Thrive: Inclusive and Sustainable Nutrition and Livelihoods Initiative Project. This initiative aims to enhance food security and nutrition by providing rural households with subsidized access to high-quality agricultural inputs, fostering resilient and sustainable livelihoods in drought-affected regions.
The project addresses urgent nutrition and food security challenges in Masvingo and Mwenezi districts, particularly supporting households impacted by the El Niño-induced drought. Through the distribution of subsidized agricultural input packages via a voucher system, farmers gain access to drought-tolerant seeds and essential resources. This approach improves agricultural resilience, strengthens households’ ability to recover from climate shocks, and promotes long-term food security and sustainable livelihoods.
A voucher distribution event brought together local leaders, agro-dealers, and project participants, marking progress toward inclusive and sustainable agrifood systems transformation. The programme targeted 4,000 households across selected wards, ensuring timely access to nutritious crops while promoting resilience in the face of climate-related challenges.
Beyond boosting agricultural productivity, the initiative emphasizes Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA), reflecting FAO’s commitment to safeguarding vulnerable community members. Participants received education on preventing exploitation and abuse by humanitarian workers and development partners, fostering a culture of awareness and accountability throughout the programme.
During the mission, FAO trained Voucher Redeeming Suppliers on the FAO’s Identification, Delivery and Empowerment Application (IDEA) platform, a digital system designed to manage beneficiary data, deliver assistance, and distribute aid using cash and voucher modalities. The training included system navigation, troubleshooting, and customer service best practices, while engagement with local leadership and on-site monitoring strengthened accountability and operational efficiency.
The Nourish and Thrive project also focuses on increasing awareness and prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse among all stakeholders, reinforcing FAO’s dedication to safe, inclusive agrifood systems. Community members and partners expressed appreciation for the PSEA training, highlighting its importance in creating proactive awareness and protecting vulnerable individuals.
FAO’s PSEA Focal Person, Leticia Njowola, emphasized that the organization’s zero-tolerance policy applies to all UN personnel, implementing partners, and service providers. Strengthening PSEA measures ensures institutional accountability, enhances governance frameworks, and builds trust between implementing partners and communities, which is critical for achieving inclusive, rights-based, and sustainable agrifood systems transformation.
Through initiatives like the Nourish and Thrive Project, FAO continues to support communities in recovering from climate shocks while promoting safe, resilient, and inclusive environments that uphold high standards of protection and accountability.
