UNDP Donates $82,000 in Goats and Equipment to Zimbabwe Agricultural College

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has donated goats and agricultural equipment worth US$82,000 to Esigodini Agricultural College in Zimbabwe. The donation, which includes 54 Kalahari and Matabele goats as well as various laboratory and farming equipment, aims to bolster the college's climate-smart agriculture programs.

The initiative is part of UNDP's broader partnership with the Zimbabwean government to build climate resilience of vulnerable agricultural livelihoods in southern Zimbabwe. "The partnership between UNDP and the Zimbabwean government seeks to promote innovation, extension, and business advisory services for small-scale livestock producers, as well as to contribute to the country's climate adaptation and economic growth strategies," said Dr. Ayodele Odusola, UNDP Zimbabwe resident representative.

The donated equipment includes heating ovens, digital analytical balances, microscopes, a lab-size grinding mill, an automated fat extractor, and various laboratory consumables. These resources are expected to enhance the students' learning experience and help them develop the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the field of agriculture.

Why this matters: Zimbabwe's agricultural sector is heavily impacted by climatic hazards, affecting smallholder rain-fed agricultural production systems. Enhancing climate-smart agriculture programs and building climate resilience is vital for the country's food security and economic growth.

Professor Obert Jiri, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, praised the partnership, stating that it will contribute to the revitalization of the agricultural sector and economic growth in the community. The UNDP's climate-smart agriculture interventions have already benefited over 840,000 smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe through various programs.

The handover of the goats and equipment is part of UNDP Zimbabwe's ongoing efforts to support local communities in improving their goat breeds, leading to better incomes, herd growth, and ultimately sustainable livelihoods. "This project is assisting local communities in enhancing their goat breeds, leading to better incomes and herd growth, and ultimately sustainable livelihoods," Dr. Odusola added.

Key Takeaways

• UNDP donated $82,000 worth of goats and equipment to Esigodini Agricultural College in Zimbabwe.
• The donation aims to bolster the college's climate-smart agriculture programs and build resilience.
• The equipment includes lab instruments to enhance students' learning and agricultural skills development.
• Zimbabwe's agricultural sector is heavily impacted by climate hazards, necessitating climate-smart interventions.
• UNDP's climate-smart agriculture programs have already benefited over 840,000 smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe.