By Sinenhlanhla Moyo
International aid agency Welthungerhilfe has launched a series of initiatives aimed at boosting rural livelihoods and strengthening climate resilience in the Nyandeni community, including the donation of chickens to local households and plans to improve access to clean water.
As part of the project, 35 residents received five chickens each to expand their existing small-scale poultry flocks. The beneficiaries were required to already own some chickens and at least one rooster to qualify for the support.
“This is a very welcome development. The chickens have already started laying eggs, and that’s a good start for us,” said Sibongile Nyathi, the ward lead farmer.
The initiative promotes poultry as a sustainable source of food and income in rural areas. Villagers were encouraged to use the eggs to improve household nutrition, sell them for extra income, or hatch them to further grow their flocks.
Welthungerhilfe also pledged to supply chicken feed to support the project in its early stages.
In addition to the poultry programme, the organisation announced plans to rehabilitate gullies caused by soil erosion and to drill boreholes to enhance access to clean water. These environmental interventions aim to help the community adapt to the increasing impacts of climate change.
Community members welcomed the support and expressed hope that more development projects would follow.
“We are grateful and hopeful,” said one resident. “This support is already changing lives in our village.”
Welthungerhilfe has been active in Zimbabwe for several years, focusing on sustainable development, food security, and community resilience in vulnerable regions.
This story was produced as part of the CITE Youth Network training program, which aims to empower young women in rural communities with digital skills, enhancing their ability to create and share community news.