FYF returns to Zimbabwe

Once known as the breadbasket of southern Africa, the people of Zimbabwe are now facing chronic food shortages and malnutrition.  Last year, seven million people – almost half the population – needed food aid to survive. 

In the 50 years since FYF was founded, life expectancy in Zimbabwe has actually decreased. 

Advances in healthcare, education, and agricultural production have all reversed, and there are huge inequalities between rich and poor. 

While average incomes in the UK have increased from $2,689 in 1960 to $24,487, in Zimbabwe salaries have increased by just $66 from $274 to $340. 

Yet, at the end of 2008, a loaf of bread in Zimbabwe cost the equivalent of $30. 

Seeds of hope

However, there are seeds of hope in Zimbabwe. 

There has been a unity government between Robert Mugabe’s Zanu PF and Morgan Tsvangarai’s MDC party for over a year.

While the political situation is far from stable, incidences of political violence have reduced.  After years of hyperinflation and empty shop shelves, the economy has stopped its freefall.

The people of Zimbabwe have shown remarkable resilience. 

For FYF, this is highlighted by the commitment that the local organisations we used to work with demonstrate.  FYF had to withdraw from Zimbabwe in the early 2000s due to the political situation.  Our local partners have continued their work, often with few resources, providing hope of a better future to rural families through incredibly difficult times.

FYF in Zimbabwe

“My younger days were days of plenty, in terms of food, culture, reserves in the granary and crops in the field.  Old memories. 

Here, on this farm, we have recaptured the very essence of that.”  Freddie Tungadza

Freddie is one of hundreds of farmers that FYF worked with in the 1990s to improve their long-term food security. 

As we mark our 50^th anniversary this year we are proud to be returning to Zimbabwe to support more farmers like Freddie to build their self-reliance and create a sustainable livelihood so they can better support their families now and in the future.

We will update you on our plans for Zimbabwe shortly.

£150 could help us to train a lead farmer in Zimbabwe, enabling them to teach fellow farmers sustainable farming techniques that will improve their harvests. Donate now!

Read more about our innovative lead farmer programme in Malawi.