Harare, Zimbabwe; February 5, 2015.  The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is marking the closeout of its four and a half year agricultural competitiveness improvement program in Zimbabwe (Zim-ACP).  Between 2010 and 2015, the program assisted 14 Zimbabwean farmers’ organizations to improve their leadership and advocacy skills for the benefit of their members.  The program has strengthened the organizations’ ability to engage in more productive public and private sector dialogue to address economic agricultural concerns.  It has also increased their ability to advocate on behalf of their members. 

USAID’s Zim-ACP program has (1) increased the analytical and advocacy capacity of farmers’ unions and associations; (2) promoted efficiency in Zimbabwe’s agricultural market; and (3) enhanced service providers’ ability to deliver trainings and technical assistance at the farmer and corporate levels.  Over the project’s lifespan, Zim-ACP partners provided input on 26 regulations presented for legislative review.  Zim-ACP partners also participated in 103 public forums and parliamentary committee meetings advocating for the interests of their members. 

According to USAID Zimbabwe Mission Director, Melissa Williams, “USAID’s Zim-ACP program has been instrumental in helping agricultural organizations use evidence and analysis to assess the impact of policies and regulations affecting their sectors.  This has helped them dialogue more effectively with the Government and better serve and represent their members.” 

The closeout event on February 5 will provide a platform for key actors in the agricultural sector to come together, discuss lessons learned, and determine future steps toward continued advances in competitiveness.

For more than 30 years, the American people, through USAID, have invested over $2.6 billion in Zimbabwe.  More than 40 projects a year include initiatives to increase food security, support economic resilience, improve health systems and services, and advance a more democratic system of governance.

For additional information, please contact Public Affairs Officer, Karen Kelley at KelleyK@state.gov or Communications and Outreach Advisor, Margot Welk at mawelk@usaid.gov