The Need Zimbabweans are facing severe economic turmoil and critical food shortages. These factors have been compounded by the total deterioration of services and the devastating impact of HIV/AIDS, which has most acutely affected the economically productive section of the population and left thousands of households without a breadwinner. Around 70% of the population is dependent on agriculture for a living, making it central to Zimbabwe’s economic development. However, vulnerable households lack access to food, water for irrigation, skills and inputs to increase and diversify their agricultural productivity. They also lack the knowledge to improve their nutrition and health and have few income generating opportunities. Mercy Corps’ Response Mercy Corps’ food security and livelihoods programme will sustainably improve the agricultural production, incomes and access to water of thousands of vulnerable households in three of Zimbabwe’s most food insecure districts. The project is working with farmers to increase their productivity and access to markets so that they can provide sufficient food for their families as well as generate income through the sale of excess produce. Mercy Corps is providing: 1. training in sustainable farming methods; 2. inputs such as seeds and fertiliser; 3. help to set up communal and household gardens; 4. help to develop links to markets; and 5. HIV/AIDS awareness training in partnership with two local NGOs. Beneficiaries and Partners Over 85,000 people will directly benefit from this programme, with a particular focus on the most vulnerable households – those headed by children, widows, elderly people and those living with HIV/AIDS. Mercy Corps will work in partnership with local NGOs to deliver the programme, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the project and building local capacity. Funding Request The European Commission has committed €1,901,156 (85%) of the total budget for this important 3 year project, conditional on Mercy Corps securing the remaining €335,498. To date, we have secured €222,410, leaving €113,088- approximately £102,370- to be raised.