Chief Charumbira hails FAO-led project for empowering Zimbabwean local leaders, ensuring sustainability

Masvingo, Zimbabwe – Chief Fortune Charumbira, one of the most influential traditional leaders in the country and Deputy President of the Zimbabwe National Council of Chiefs, has lauded the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations’ (FAO)-led “Nourish and Thrive” project for its innovative approach of placing local leaders at the core of beneficiary selection and registration. This strategy, he believes, strengthens local ownership and sets the stage for long-term sustainability, ensuring the project's impact extends far beyond its lifespan.

The Nourish and Thrive project, funded by the French government and implemented in partnership with the Zimbabwean government and World Vision, aims to improve food security and nutrition in vulnerable communities. It is currently being rolled out across two districts in Masvingo Province, targeting households grappling with the impacts of climate change and economic hardship in Masvingo and Mwenezi Districts.

Speaking at a community meeting in Masvingo Rural District, Sipambi Ward 11, Chief Charumbira emphasized the significance of involving traditional leaders in the project’s implementation. “Historically, development projects have often been imposed upon communities, leading to limited buy-in and ultimately, failure,” he stated. “But with Nourish and Thrive, the FAO and its partners have demonstrated a profound understanding of our culture and the importance of local leadership.”

He further explained that the project’s structure empowers chiefs and headmen to identify the most vulnerable members of their communities. This process, he added, is conducted through a participatory approach, ensuring transparency and fairness.

“We know our people; we understand their challenges and their needs,” Chief Charumbira asserted. “By giving us the responsibility of selecting and registering beneficiaries, the project is not only ensuring that assistance reaches those who need it most but also building trust and fostering a sense of shared responsibility.”

This sentiment was echoed by Joyce Chikugu, Masvingo District Development Coordinator. “In the past, we have seen projects come and go, leaving little lasting impact,” she said. “However, Nourish and Thrive feels different. We are not just passive recipients; we are active participants. We understand the goals of the project, and we are committed to ensuring its success in our communities.”

According to the FAO Nourish and Thrive project Coordinator, the decision to involve local leaders was a deliberate one, driven by the organization’s commitment to community ownership and sustainability.

“We recognize that lasting impact requires a shift from top-down approaches to bottom-up solutions,” explained James Mugombi. “By empowering local leaders to take ownership of the project, we are building local capacity and ensuring that the benefits of the project endure long after we leave,” the project coordinator added.

World Vision Zimbabwe, as the implementing partner, has been instrumental in providing technical support and training to local leaders, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage the beneficiary selection and registration process.

“We believe that equipping local leaders with the necessary tools and resources is crucial for the success of any development initiative,” said World Vision's, Design Monitoring and Evaluation Coordinator- Health, Tinashe Marange. “We are committed to working alongside traditional leaders to ensure that the Nourish and Thrive project achieves its objectives and contributes to lasting positive change in these communities,” she added.

The success of the Nourish and Thrive project in empowering local leaders serves as a model for future development initiatives in Zimbabwe. By placing communities at the heart of development efforts, and fostering local ownership, the project is not only improving food security and nutrition but also strengthening local governance and building resilience to future shocks. Chief Charumbira concluded, “This is not just a project; it is an investment in our future.”