Urban Futures Project launches in Bulawayo

The Urban Futures Project supported by Hivos and the Botnar Foundation spanning across 10 cities in 3 continents seeks to build climate resilient urban food systems where young people are motivated and empowered to collaborate in influencing policies and decision making as well seizing economic opportunities within the food sector. Additionally the project seeks to ensure that food value chains are shorter, sustainable and provide halthier, affordable and accesible food for all. In Zimbabwe the project is being implemented in Bulawayo and Mutare together with a consortium of organisations that include: Green Hut Trust, Bulawayo Vendors and Traders Association, Unemployed and Vulnerable Foundation and African Food Revolution for the Bulawayo Consortium and Green Governance Trust, Manica Youth Assembly (MAYA) and National Association of Youth Organisations (NAYO) for the Mutare Consortium.

On the 13th of March 2024, the project was officially launched in Bulawayo with a number of stakeholders include youth organisations, development partners, Government ministries and City Council officials from both Bulawayo and Mutare. Giving his remarks as the Guest of Honor, Mr Leonard Mutinima who is the Chief Director in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development highlighted how the project’s vision is in line with government efforts to promote sustainable agriulture across the country and the willingless of his ministry to work with all to achieve the set goals. Giving his speech on behalf of the Mayor of Bulawayo, ward Councillor Mpumelelo Moyo highlighted how the urban futures project is very relevant to Bulawayo which is currently undergoing one of the worst droughts in history.

Part of the proceeding of the day included a lively panel discussion on green livelihoods in food systems for youths in Zimbabwe and their role in strengthening food security and supporting climate resilient livelihoods. One of the panellists, Mthokozisi Moyo passionately known as the water guy indicated the need for investing in waste water treatment infrastructure to facilitate water reuse in the city. Other discussants included Dr Z Sibanda from Lenara Foods, Mgcini Mazula from Lupane Veggie Guys , Gwenneth Makulumo from Tsikuma Gardens , Lovemore Sibanda from Lodith Private Limited and Pamhidzai Sanganza from Farm to Table. Some of the issues highlighted during the discussion included the need to build the capacity of youths to run successful enterprises within the food value chains through knowledge sharing of best practices and the creation of an enabling environment for them to participate especially in the production stage of the value chain. With the majority of the population of Zimbabwe being youths, the project presents an opportunity for the empowerment of young people in the advent of climate change.

Of note was the inclusion of the deaf community with a sign language enterpreter relaying the information during the launch to some of the participants with hearing impediments . Persons living with disabilities are often left out of such initiatives yet they are also feeling the impacts of climate change and food insecurity. The Urban Futures project will be running until 2027.