EU launches a 16m euro poject in Gokwe

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By TAPIWA MAKORE
Published: March 8, 2010

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GOKWE-The European Union has launched a 16 million euro poverty alleviation project in Gokwe South where a food shortages as a result of the chaotic land reform and severe drought has hit the area.

Addressing farmers, chiefs and officials from the donor community on Monday the EU food security attaché Pedra Lindberg said her bloc was prepared and committed to mitigate food shortages caused mainly by misgovernance among other factors.

“Zimbabwe used to be the bread basket of Southern Africa, but because of several reasons such as the chaotic land reform and some climatic problems, the country is failing to feed its people.

“To mitigate such problems the EU has launched this massive project which is aimed at empowering the small scale farmers who are finding it difficult to produce.

“We also understand that land mismanagement is contributing to the poor yields in the farming communities and we are encouraging conservation farming as a mitigatory measure,” said Lindberg.

Midlands province Governor and resident Minister Jason Machaya said it was good to see the Western bloc complimenting the efforts of the donor community.

“It is my sincere hope that you will continue supporting the efforts of various NGOs in developmental projects in the district at micro-level and in the country at a macro-level.

“My office will do all it can to support this cause as it is an area of special interest to Local Governments in our country,” said Machaya.

The EU project in Gokwe South is being run by German Agro and Concern and is soon expected to spread to Manicaland and Matabeleland regions.

The project involves educating farmers on new farming methods that mitigate climate change.

At the height of the 2008 political madness Zimbabwe’s then ZANU-PF government banned all donor activities in the country accusing them of furthering the western agenda through the MDC and thousands of the country’s population were left without food and succumbed to diseases that could be cured.

Despite vilification from ZANU-PF, the EU’s support to the people of Zimbabwe, particularly in social sectors have remained significant.

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