Farmers to benefit from EU grant
http://www.thezimbabwean.co.uk/
17.04.13
by Tarisai Jangara
About 50, 000 rural farmers are set to benefit from a $12 million project
under the Zimbabwe Extension Support and Training initiative funded by the
European Union.
Last week the EU unveiled a $12 million contribution, which will run from
2013 to 2015 and is aimed at increasing agricultural productivity and food
security.
The project will be carried out in Chivi, Gutu, Masvingo and Centenary and
is mainly targeting youths and the disabled who have access to land and
labour.
Speaking at the official launch of ZEST, EU Ambassador, Aldo Dell’ Ariccia
said the project is aimed at developing and testing methods of improving
access to agricultural extension for field crops, livestock and
horticulture.
ZEST will improve farm and household productivity through the adoption of
higher yielding and drought tolerant crops, strengthening farm management
skills through training and the provision of input support.
“With this support farmers will intensify and diversify production with a
leaning towards improved food security, dietary requirements and income
generation, thereby increasing resilience to external shocks and mitigating
the impact of HIV/AIDS,” Aldo Dell’ Ariccia said.
The funds will be administered by the United Nations Food and Agriculture
Organisation, the German Academy for International Cooperation and a
non-governmental organisation, HELP, from Germany.