Role of NGOs in improving food security and livelihoods: Case of Caritas in Masvingo province

Abstract

Many attempts have been made to improve food security and livelihood in Masvingo province. Although the researcher showed that Caritas managed to improve food security and livelihoods in Masvingo province but a lot needs to be done since food insecurity remained the main problem in the province especially in rural areas. The study sought to evaluate the impacts of Caritas through food security and improving livelihoods. The research was undertaken in Masvingo province. According to the total number of beneficiaries, they were approximately 1000 but only 64 representing 6.4% were randomly selected in collecting the required information both qualitative and quantitative methodologies were adopted. Also observations, structured interviews and document review were used by the researcher in acquiring information. The main programmes which improving livelihoods includes Goats, pass on gifts, nutritional and incoming gardens, food relief, trainings on rain water harvest and Conservation Farming, mechanisation of Agriculture, borehole drilling, agro ecology, women empowerment, educational initiatives. The results showed that Caritas succeeded in improving food security and livelihoods security and it helped in response to disaster. Challenges involve no or lack of constant monitoring, limited funds, poor targeting, dependence syndrome and duplication of projects. The researcher also recommend that NGOs should source more funding and do partnerships with other organisations. Monitoring and evaluation should be done properly which means before, in due course and after the programme. The bottom up approach should be used in selecting beneficiaries so that the vulnerable groups will benefit from the projects and programmes. Lastly NGOs should not come up with programmes and projects that cause increased dependence ratio. NGOs need to adopt an integrated approach with other stakeholders which specialised on agriculture and animal rearing like AREX.