2010 - 2013

Farmers in Zimbabwe have a new partner in their long-standing drive to achieve food security, protect critical natural resources and build a sustainable rural economy. In January 2010, Land O’Lakes International Development launched a USAID-sponsored initiative “Building Livelihoods and Food Security in Zimbabwe.” This program will build on the existing activities of three critical partner organizations: the National Association of Dairy Farmers and Tillers International.

In Zimbabwe’s eastern province of Manicaland, Land O’Lakes will work with the Zimbabwe’s National Association of Dairy Farmers to strengthen and, where necessary, re-establish the infrastructure, organizations and livestock assets necessary for an inclusive and productive local dairy industry. In Manicaland, Land O’Lakes will also work with Tillers International and local residents to test the feasibility of donkey-based animal traction mechanisms in efforts to regain the draught power critical for agricultural productivity.

The combined effort of this consortium will help to rebuild rural livelihoods and promote food security in this proud African nation. In all these activities, Land O’Lakes will lend its proven agribusiness expertise from both the commercial and development perspective.

Recent estimates suggest that life expectancy in Zimbabwe is now just 45 years. The last time this was the case in the United States was 1890. Land O’Lakes, in collaboration with Zimbabwean farmers, its strong partner organizations, and USAID, hopes this initiative will contribute significantly to the welfare of Zimbabwe’s farming  sector and improvements in the lives of rural Zimbabweans.

For a success story, click here.

To learn more about our work in Zimbabwe, click here.

For more information on the program, please contact:

In Zimbabwe:
David Harvey
Chief of Party
Phone: +260-1-263-929/30 
E-mail: david.harvey@idd.landolakes.com 

In the U.S.: 
LuAnn Werner
Program Manager
Telephone: +1-651-375-5116
Fax: +1-651-375-5144
Email: LMWerner@landolakes.com 

Jill LaLonde
Program Specialist
Telephone: +1-651-375-5937
Fax: +1-651-375-5144
E-mail: JCLaLonde@landolakes.com