Hand in Hand Zimbabwe’s Innovative Food Security and Livelihoods Model Hand in Hand Zimbabwe has launched a pioneering food security and livelihoods model, tailored to address the complex needs of vulnerable communities in Zimbabwe. This holistic approach seamlessly integrates four key pillars: (i) Community Engagement, Social Inclusion & Support, and Health and Wellbeing, (ii) Entrepreneurship, (iii) Climate-Smart Agriculture, and (iv) Environment.
Community Engagement, Social Inclusion & Support, and Health and Wellbeing
Our model begins with a strong focus on community engagement, social inclusion, and support. We work closely with local communities to identify and address specific needs, ensuring that our interventions are context-sensitive and responsive to the unique challenges faced by each community. The organization recognizes that communities vary significantly, emphasizing the importance of leveraging local development plans before introducing new initiatives. We advocate for a People-Centred Approach (PCA) and a Bottom-Up Approach (BuA) to community development, ensuring that often marginalized groups such as women, youth, children and individuals with disabilities and albinism can actively participate in their own development. Our programmes prioritize social inclusion, promoting equal opportunities for all, regardless of age, gender, or ability. We also integrate health and wellbeing initiatives, recognizing the critical link between physical and mental health and economic productivity.
Entrepreneurship
Empowering entrepreneurs is a critical component of our model. We provide training, mentorship, and access to finance and lucrative markets for aspiring entrepreneurs especially, with a special focus on women and youth. Participants are equipped with knowledge in Opportunity Identification, Business Planning, Financial Literacy, Marketing, and technical skills to enhance production. Our entrepreneurship programmes foster innovation, job creation, and income growth, contributing to sustainable livelihoods and economic development.
Climate-Smart Agriculture
Climate change poses significant threats to food security and livelihoods in Zimbabwe. Our model incorporates climate-smart agriculture practices, promoting sustainable agricultural methods that enhance resilience to climate-related shocks. We support farmers in adopting climate-resilient crop and animal varieties, improving soil fertility, and implementing conservation agriculture techniques
Environment
Environmental sustainability is a cross-cutting theme in our model. We prioritize environmentally friendly practices, promoting the conservation of natural resources and reducing waste. Our programmes incorporate sustainable land management, agroforestry, and ecosystem-based approaches to enhance biodiversity and mitigate the impacts of climate change.