Zimbabwe Center for Rural Economic and Agriculture Development (ZICREAD) Trust is a capacity and knowledge development non-governmental organization that operates in Zimbabwe, with the aim of promoting sustainable livelihoods to vulnerable rural communities through economic initiatives in agriculture and natural resource management. The organization was formed in 2014 and is registered as a tr
ust under the notarial registrar of deeds (No H133345). Vision Statement: ZICREAD envision vibrant and prosperous rural communities where people live a self-determined life, free from hunger and poverty. Aims & Objectives:
To support vulnerable rural people with innovative agro- based economic initiatives that enhance their income, and increase household food production. To build the capacity of vulnerable communities to develop and adopt mechanisms that ensure climate resilience,conservation and sustainable management of their natural resources. To promote the use of Information, Communications and Technology (ICTs) for rural communities to access modern information on agriculture development and natural resource management. To carry out research and disseminate information on the various aspects that promotes rural economic and agriculture development. To provide a platform for the voiceless rural poor to build policy advocacy on issues that affect their livelihoods and general welfare. Our Strategy
ZICREAD uses a pro-poor, people centered approach that engages rural communities to execute programs that empower and transform their own lives, allowing them to serve as role models and change agents. In pursuing this, the organization adopts a responsive and participatory approach that links local perspectives into higher processes of policy design, builds on partnerships with various stakeholders and builds local capacity to maintain sustainable livelihoods. In addition, as part of our programming we have set up special portfolios for women, people with disability and HIV affected households. These portfolios identify alternative livelihoods activities and strategies that are appropriate to these vulnerable groups. Areas of Focus
1. Agricultural &Rural Livelihood Diversification (ARLID)
The strategic focus of this program is to enhance the livelihoods of rural people especially women through agricultural initiatives.Special attention is given to agro-based economic initiatives that put emphasis on value addition, organic farming and climate smart agricultural practices, as these have great potential to generate and diversify rural incomes. ZICREAD through consultation with community members and other stakeholders in all its areas of operation has managed to set up a number of Community Livelihoods Centers (CLC’s) under this program. These CLC’s use a group based approach that ensures the targeted beneficiaries get sufficient technical support in the form of capital, information, technology, markets and skills training.
2. Climate Adaptation& Community Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM)
This program’s key focus is on building the capacity of rural communities to adapt to climate change and contribute meaningfully in managing community natural resources for improved livelihoods.Through workshops, research, community based meetings and outreach program activities, ZICREAD seeks to enhance the knowledge base needed to strengthen human capacities and broaden stakeholder’s participation with regards to mechanisms that enhance climate resilience and sustain natural resources in remote areas. To achieve this, the organization implements a range of programs that include;improving cropping patterns and promoting drought tolerant crops, Tree-based farming (Agro-forestry), appropriate management of the soil, conservation of water (water harvesting, protection of wetlands, promotion of drip irrigation),integrated land management,bee keeping, developing renewable and alternative energy sources, rearing native animals etc. We also work with some key organizations to encourage community –based tourism by implementing programs on community-based conservation of forest areas and protection of endangered species.
3.The e-Villages Program
This ICT based initiative was initiated with a vision to take ICTs to villages for the poor to get access to vital information on issues that affect them. ZICREAD through the e-villages program is in a process of investing in ICT infrastructure by establishing some solar powered multi-service e-village information centers that will provide vulnerable rural communities with information on modern agriculture practices and technologies, including effective ways to manage community natural resources for improved livelihoods. These information hubs will be equipped with a variety of information communication devices, including computers for training in basic computer literacy, elementary ICT knowledge, and for access to internet services.The e-village centers will also use visual aids in the form of animations that will be downloaded on cell phones, televisions and overhead projectors for the people to share information and knowledge that is relevant to their needs. The creation of appropriate animations will be supported by Scientific Animations without Boarders (SAWBO).
4.Research&Advocacy Unit (RAU)
ZICREAD engages in high-level research in the field of rural livelihoods with particular focus on agriculture development and natural resource management. We provide strong policy leadership in the area of livelihoods ensuring a strong rural voice to secure sustainable development for the future. By engaging communities through public debates, dialogues and consensus building processes, we support policy change that promotes sustainable livelihoods, particularly of the most marginalized and excluded. We carry out issue-based advocacy work to build effective policy advocacy that will influence the establishment of new policies. This will improve existing policies and challenge the development of policies that improve the quality of life of the poor.
