Small livestock enhancing the adaptive capacity of Women to the Effects of climate change in Goromonzi, Zimbabwe.

Climate change affects men and women differently, and hence, there was need for climate change interventions. The intervention seeks to address perennial food shortages as a result of depending entirely on crop production. The action seeks to empower men and women in small livestock production and help in diversification of agricultural practices. Small livestock projects could sustain livelihoods of households in the targeted area, thereby reducing the dependency on crops which are directly affected by changing climates.The steps in the implementation began with selection of the appropriate beneficiaries which included women because small livestock is mainly a home project, of which women are less mobile than men hence attention is more from women. The project participants were given knowledge through regular and well structured trainings and also look and learn visits. Standard small livestock houses were constructed as per recommendations and the climatic conditions of the area. The project participants received the feed for either broilers or layers and this was followed by the coming of the chicks and hens. Production trainings were conducted. Marketing trainings were conducted and the participants were encouraged to adopt group marketing. Farmer groups were formed and strengthened by the project. The farmers were linked to formal markets. Women were encouraged to participate in all the activities of the project including marketing which is normally taken over by men. Sustainability issues were also addressed through formation of savings clubs. This enabled project participants mainly women to continue with the project. The beneficiaries were linked to the input markets too.

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