Where We Work
Zimbabwe
Once known as the ‘breadbasket of Africa’, Zimbabwe today struggles with hyperinflation, widespread poverty and political instability. Chronic malnutrition caused by widespread food shortages, a failing health system and high rates of HIV infection mean that nearly half of the country’s population live in extreme poverty.
Thandolwayo collecting water in Zimbabwe. Photo credit: Richard Wainwright/Caritas Australia.
The impact of your support in Zimbabwe
Priscilla walking her grandchildren to school. Photo: Richard Wainwright/Caritas Australia
Zimbabwe
Population: 16 million
Priscilla, her husband Charles and their grandsons Obry (8) and Jayden (7) outside their home in Hwange district, north western Zimbabwe. Photo: Richard Wainwright/Caritas Australia
Families have better food security, nutrition and increased income.
Priscilla practices conservation farming skills she learned from Caritas Hwange. Photo: Richard Wainwright/Caritas Australia.
Communities are more resilient and able to adapt to the impacts of climate change.
Thandolwayo outside her home holding water In Zimbabwe. Photo credit: Richard Wainwright/Caritas Australia.
People can have improved and sustainable access to clean water in communities and schools.
Priscilla’s grandchildren, Obry (8) and Jayden (7), read their school books at their home in Hwange district, north western Zimbabwe. Photo: Richard Wainwright/Caritas Australia
Children can stay healthy and have improved hygiene practices.
Priscilla holds dry leaves of a failed crop due to drought in Zimbabwe. Photo: Richard Wainwright/Caritas Australia.
Priscilla's story
Climate change is presenting unprecedented challenges for people living in the most vulnerable and remote communities in Zimbabwe. Priscilla lives with her husband, Charles, and two grandchildren in the Hwange region, which is currently experiencing an intense drought. Â
With the support of Caritas Hwange, Priscilla and her community learnt conservation farming to grow drought-resistant crops. From her increased harvest, she was able to sell her crops and start poultry farming, selling eggs to grow her income stream and helping pay for her grandchildren’s education. Â
Caritas Hwange also helped rehabilitate the dip tank in her community so that Priscilla’s cattle can be healthy and free from tick-borne diseases. With the knowledge and skills acquired through the program, Priscilla and her family have a safety net to protect them during this current drought.  Â
Caritas Hwange came in with the idea of implementing Gachompo (conservation farming), which tremendously improved our crop germination rates. With Gachompo, minimum rainfall is sufficient to support growth of our crops as the method ensures better water retention by the soil.
Priscilla's story
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