Final Evaluation of the Project “Increased Household Food, Income and Nutrition Security through Commercialization of an Integrated and Sustainable Smallholder Livestock Sector in Zimbabwe”

The Final Evaluation of the Project “Increased Household Food, Income and Nutrition Security through Commercialization of an Integrated and Sustainable Smallholder Livestock Sector in Zimbabwe” concluded that the Project’s objective of changing mindsets of smallholder livestock farmers to view livestock as important economic assets more than a social asset was very relevant and timely. The Projects’ implementation modality of having two co-applicants was strategic: it was able capitalize on the local knowledge and expertise of the co-applicants. However, this implementation modality caused a delay to the project due to lack of appropriate financial instruments. Overall, the Project performed well and was able to adjust its implementation and programming to deal with the most pressing issues on production in the project areas, which were mortality due to diseases and lack of water. Finally, the project was able to foster trust among various stakeholders and trust in the formal market within the intricate livestock value chain in Zimbabwe.