Following numerous appeals from villagers in Mwenezi District, the Japanese government, through the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), has pledged a US$5 million grant to support 37,000 climate-affected smallholder farmers across five districts in Zimbabwe.
Approximately US$72,000 will be allocated to Mwenezi District for the construction of storage facilities for sesame farmers, implemented by Sustainable Agriculture Technology (SAT).
This donation comes at a time when Mwenezi villagers are grappling with the devastating effects of climate change, including severe drought.
Speaking at a signing ceremony on Wednesday, Japanese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Shinichi Yamanaka, stated that the three-year program aims to bolster food security and resilience among smallholder farmers by building water-based infrastructure, enhancing value chains, and improving agricultural extension services.
“Under this project, small-scale farmers will be supported in cultivating sesame seeds to engage in market-oriented agriculture, with ITOCHU Corporation playing a crucial role in completing the value chain.
The Japanese government will provide financial assistance of approximately US$72,000 to the ‘project for the construction of storages for sesame farmers in Mwenezi District,’ implemented by Sustainable Agriculture Technology (SAT).
SAT is expected to support sesame production, procurement, and value addition for both local and export markets,” Yamanaka said.
The Japanese support is specifically targeted at Mwenzi, Chiredzi, Rushinga, Chipinge, and Mt Darwin, some of the areas most severely impacted by the climate crisis.
Since 2019, Japan has contributed over US$28 million to WFP-supported food assistance and resilience-building initiatives for vulnerable communities in Zimbabwe.
WFP Country Representative and Director for Zimbabwe, Barbara Clemens, expressed gratitude for the donation, stating that it will significantly contribute to improving food availability and accessibility for Zimbabwean families.
“This invaluable contribution from the Government of Japan enables us to make food more accessible, reliable, and abundant for Zimbabwean families.
By supporting farmers in sustainable food production and connecting them to markets, we can address immediate food needs and empower communities to build a food-secure future,” Clemens said.
