Zimbabwe's Urban Crises: Food Security and the Joint Initiative

The report highlights the severe food insecurity and poverty faced by urban dwellers in Zimbabwe, particularly in the aftermath of Operation Murambatsvina (Operation Drive Out Rubbish) in 2005, which left many people homeless and without access to basic services. The JI program, a collaborative effort between seven international non-governmental organizations (INGOs), aimed to restore dignity and reduce suffering for the most vulnerable populations in urban and peri-urban areas of Zimbabwe. The program's interventions included food voucher systems, low-input gardens, and cash transfers to improve access to food and livelihoods. The report discusses the program's successes, challenges, and impact, including the targeting of vulnerable households, improvements in food availability and variety, and the empowerment of women.