The initiative, aptly named Climate Adaptation Water and Energy Programme (CAWEP), will invest £12 million (about US$14 million) in four locations, namely Binga, Chipinge, Chivi and Insiza districts. This will be directed towards:

• strengthening early warning systems,
• increasing access to water for production and household use, especially during droughts and floods, and
• improving access to clean and affordable energy to support economic activities.

In addition, the programme will rehabilitate existing and establish new irrigation schemes to boost household food security and to support sustainable livelihoods.

When complete, CAWEP will have connected 12,500 people to electricity on a solar micro-grid in Hakwata (Chipinge). Almost 150,000 people will access water in Mlibizi (Binga), Wanezi (Insiza) and Gororo (Chivi). 130 hectares of agriculture land will be put to productive use and over half a million people get access to location specific, early warning information.

Speaking at the launch, FCDO Deputy Development Director and Head of Green Growth Martin Alsop said “The effects of climate change are already being felt across Zimbabwe. This new programme will help build the resilience of vulnerable communities and enable improved livelihoods. We as the UK are proud to work with the Government of Zimbabwe and our UN partners to deliver this vital project”.

UNDP Resident Representative, Mia Seppo added “Investments in climate resilient agriculture are key in promoting more sustainable, resilient and inclusive growth, jobs and livelihoods, and food security in Zimbabwe. This support will enable continued access to water for productive and household use, including during droughts and floods, and improved access to clean and affordable energy to support economic activities.”

The Climate Adaptation Water and Energy Programme is funded by UK FCDO. It will be implemented by UNDP in collaboration with Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Climate and Rural Resettlement, Ministry of Environment, Water and Climate (Zimbabwe) and the Ministry of Women Affairs, Gender and Community Development. In addition, Agriculture and Rural Development Authority (ARDA), the Department of Irrigation (DOI), Rural Electrification Agency (REA), and Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) will join the partnership to provide technical expertise.
 

For more information contact:

United Nations Development Programme
Anesu Freddy, Communications Associate, +263 77 281 1618, anesu.freddy@undp.org

UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
Margret Masanga, Communications Manager +263 77 359 1561, margret.masanga@fcdo.gov.uk