CRS in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe has among the highest poverty rates in Africa. Seventy-six percent of rural households live with less than $2.52 per person/day and nearly 23% are extremely poor with less than $1.07.(Source: USAID)

Compounded by the high poverty levels, recurrent droughts, unfavorable economic environment and periodic violent political conflicts, the country is grappling with the devastating effects of HIV and AIDS. The HIV prevalence rate has declined from 20.1 percent in 2005 to 14.3 percent in 2013; this however is one of the highest in the world. The net effects of HIV and AIDS and poverty continue to place a heavy burden on orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) and the families taking care of them.

Catholic Relief Services Zimbabwe has built strategic partnerships with more than 7 local organizations, most of whom are development arms of the local Catholic Church, bringing quality humanitarian, recovery and development programming to the country's urban and rural communities. We regularly collaborate with the government of Zimbabwe to ensure our projects' strategic direction fills the gaps in services faced by vulnerable populations, builds capacity of partner staff or community volunteers, and monitors and implements project activities.

CRS' History in Zimbabwe

At the invitation of the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops' Conference, CRS has worked in Zimbabwe since 1989 with the Catholic Church, community-based organizations and government institutions.

Over our history in the country, we have worked to reduce food insecurity and build peace. We have provided orphans and vulnerable children education opportunities, income-generating activities and psychosocial support. 

CRS is working to help communities develop and adopt disaster-risk reduction and mitigation strategies to increase the resilience of populations and local rural society. 

CRS Zimbabwe’s health and nutrition initiatives aim to immediately serve the most vulnerable members of society and to better secure health for a community and its future. Our strategies include strengthening community systems, rapid response to health emergencies in local communities, and information, education and communication initiatives to help fight diseases within communities. CRS, through support from World Food Program, has provided nutritional support to an average 3,099 malnourished HIV and TB patients, pregnant and lactating mothers, and children under 5. CRS and partners have trained rural volunteer caregivers, providing skills that strengthen communities’ abilities in preventing the spread and mitigating the impact of HIV infection.

Clean water and sanitation are widely recognized as essential components of social and economic development. CRS acknowledges that sanitation is essential to community health and limiting the spread of infectious diseases. In Zimbabwe, breakdown of water and sewer systems have been major contributing factors for waterborne diseases. CRS WASH activities focus on restoring services in areas most affected by limited access to water and sanitation facilities. In support of the Government of Zimbabwe’s  new strategy, Improving Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene in Rural Areas of Zimbabwe: Strategic Concept and Programme Design June 2012-2016, Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Zimbabwe worked through the Bulawayo City Council and three districts’ water and sanitation services committees to build the capacity of community and institutions of WASH management. Emphasis is on empowering communities, particularly women, by seeking active participation in management and decision-making.  A total of 81,564 beneficiaries benefitted from the Joint Initiative and Rural WASH projects.