Random Quotes

“Planting medicinal plants in our villages is important so that we can look after people and they can be healthy.”

— Children’s eco club,

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe

Population: 13,162,065
Capital: Harare
Life expectancy: 37 years
GNI per capita: $620
Literacy: 90%
HIV prevalence rate: 24.6% of population 15-49 years old
Under 5 mortality rate: 129 per 1000 live births

Zimbabwe is facing political, economic and social crisis. Inflation surpassed 1000% in February 2008 and the country is experiencing food and other shortages. Life expectancy has dropped to only 37 years and HIV affects one in three adults. The house demolitions of 2005 left vulnerable people with no means of livelihood and without their possessions. Human rights abuses and corruption are widespread. The climate brings further challenges with parts of the country prone to drought. The single-candidate elections in June 2008 were widely condemned and followed weeks of violence. 

For more infomation see our Topics section on Zimbabwe.

Our work

CWS supports emergency relief in Zimbabwe through ACT International member, Christian Care, which responds to food shortages, displacement and political upheavel. 

In Matabeleland, CWS is funding the Rainwater Harvesting Programme of the Zimbabwe Council of Churches. This partnership began in 1997 and has helped hundreds of marginalised communities in drought prone areas meet their household water needs, grow food and gain the confidence to find new income opportunities. The programme teaches women to build the tanks, saving them from walking long distances for water and:

  • Improves access, quality and security of supply of basic water requirements
  • Improves health
  • Improves nutrition with the planting of fruit trees and community nurseries
  • Builds self reliance
  • Raises awareness of HIV and AIDS

CWS has also funded a pilot programme with the African Women Filmmakers Trust. This group makes and screens educational and development films, enabling communities to share their stories with a wider audience. It gives rural communities the opportunity to discuss their own needs, build new skills and influence decision makers.

Our partners

African Women Filmmakers Trust
Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) Read case study