By Virginia Njovo
Minister of Environment, Climate, and Wildlife Dr Sithembiso Nyoni has urged communities to take full ownership of development projects to ensure their sustainability and reduce reliance on donor funding, which has affected various sectors in Zimbabwe and across Africa.
Speaking at the official opening of the Save Sub-Basin Vanyoro Community Seed Bank in Zaka Central Ward 17, Dr Nyoni said were communities the backbone of national development and called on residents to embrace and protect the initiatives brought to their areas.
“I urge the people of Vanyoro and surrounding communities to take full ownership of this seed bank. Let us work together to protect and manage this valuable resource, ensuring that it serves both present and future generations,” said Dr Nyoni.
Dr Nyoni highlighted the impact of donor dependency, citing how the withdrawal of USAID funding had negatively affected many organizations and communities that relied solely on external assistance.
“Taking full responsibility of these projects only helps us as communities, as you can see the USAID withdrawal affected many people and various organisations who were solely depending on them but look at us now we are here with our project continuing to fulfill its goals and objectives in this community only due to the spirit of oneness you have as well as your collaborative support,” said Dr Nyoni.
Dr Nyoni reaffirmed her ministry’s commitment to supporting the project, aligning it with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 goal of achieving an upper-middle-income society.
“My ministry is committed to provide all the necessary policy support to ensure that this project succeeds, in particular ensuring that its results influence both policy and practice within the country, region and globally,” she said.
She further emphasized the importance of seed banks in mitigating effects of climate change, especially in rural areas where erratic rainfall and prolonged droughts threaten agricultural productivity.
“The commissioning of this seed bank is a bold step in towards the strengthening biodiversity conversation, improving food security, and enhancing the resilience of our communities in dry land areas. The impacts of climate change have been particularly seen on rural livelihoods, with erratic rainfall patterns and prolonged drought threatening agricultural productivity,” said Nyoni.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs, Ezra Chadzamira, in a speech delivered on his behalf by Douglas Chimhande, Director of Infrastructure Planning and Environmental Management in the Office of the President and Cabinet, stressed the need for community ownership.
“To the farmers, I urge you to take full responsibility for this seed bank. It is your duty to ensure that this facility is well-managed and utilized effectively for the benefit of present and future generations,” said Chadzamira.
Seed banks serve as a critical conservation measure, preserving plant species and replenishing seeds lost due to natural disasters or human activities such as pollution. At Vanyoro, the community restored lost tree species and preserving crop seeds through a nursery and diversity wheel system.
The Vanyoro Seed Bank was-equipped, with 100 earth augers, 100 two-wheel tractors, 100 five-row planters, a borehole, and office facilities to support its operations.
The Drylands Sustainable Landscape Impact Program (DSLIP) is a large-scale initiative implemented across 11 countries, supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF). In Zimbabwe, the Save-Runde Sub-Basins are receiving technical assistance from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
To oversee its implementation, the Ministry of Environment, Climate, and Wildlife has appointed the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) as the executing entity, working alongside the Forestry Commission and the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Authority.
This initiative represents a bold step in strengthening biodiversity conservation, enhancing food security, and improving climate resilience in Zimbabwe’s dryland areas.
