Introduction

Hivos in partnership with the local partners, the Bulawayo Vendors and Traders Organization and the Green Governance Zimbabwe Trust is implementing the Youth-led Green Transition through Urban Agri-business growth project in the cities of Bulawayo and Mutare. Funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Zimbabwe the project seeks to “Empower Urban Youths with the Skills and Knowledge to Harness the Economic and Health Dividends of the Green Transition “. The project is a build-up of the Youth Green transition phase 1 that supported youth-led agro-enterprises, targeting start-ups and entry level youth green entrepreneurs, and now in Phase 2 focus will be more on established youth-led agribusinesses.

Given the water shortages being a perennial and worsening challenge in urban spaces, the project seeks to conduct a Water harvesting Training to spark innovation and awareness in developing and adopting water efficient and harvesting practices in agro-production. The training is designed to deliver a hands-on, practical training that supports young agro-entrepreneurs in urban space to develop and adopt water efficiency management practices and harvesting practices in agroproduction to boost for competitive, market-oriented, and environmentally sustainable agrobusinesses.

Through this initiative, youths will be equipped with practical skills in hydroponics, aquaponics, organic farming, water harvesting and marketing. The project aims to strengthen climate resilience by promoting sustainable agricultural practices and fostering productive entrepreneurship in urban settings.

Program Overview

The program provides a three-tiered capacity-building journey, including:

Technical Modules and in class training

• Principles of water harvesting, storage and distribution.
• Low-cost water harvesting systems suitable for urban enterprises (roof catchments, guttering, tanks, drums, surface run off systems, and water storage solutions, ponds).
• Water recycling and reuse techniques for agribusinesses (greywater treatment, filtration systems).
• Soil water conservation techniques (mulching, infiltration pits, contour ridges, zai pits, swales).
• Water-efficient irrigation technologies (drip, micro-spray, fertigation systems).
• Calculating water needs and water budgeting for small urban agribusinesses.
• Incorporating water harvesting into integrated climate-smart production systems.

Practical Demonstrations and Innovation Building

• Hands-on installation or mock-up of small-scale water harvesting systems.
• Demonstration of filtration/greywater reuse models.
• Practical training at the upcoming technology demonstration sites in each city.
• Guidance on selecting appropriate technologies based on business size and resource availability.

Agro-Enterprise and Sustainability Components

• Costing and budgeting for water harvesting systems.
• Linking businesses to suppliers of tanks, pipes, filtration kits, and low-cost technologies.
• Maintenance plans, risk mitigation, and sustainability models.
• Documenting best practices and case studies for youth adoption.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, you must meet the following mandatory requirements:

Age: 18 – 35 years.
Location: Residents of Bulawayo and Mutare (youth enterprises operating within the 30- 40-kilometre peripheral regions of Bulawayo or Mutare urban are welcome to apply).
Target Audience: The “Water Harvesting Techniques” training course is targeted for youth-led agribusiness, particularly in areas facing water scarcity within the Mutare region.
Physical Presence: Must have a traceable physical space of operation and proof of concept.

Terms of reference for youth participants

By applying for this program, the participant agrees to the following terms and conditions.

Attendance: Commit to attending the full duration of the training phases for which they are selected for
Information Disclosure: Provide tangible proof of concept and existence of the enterprise, business registration, etc.
Active Participation: Participants are expected to engage in all practical exercises (development of a water Harvesting model suitable for the business, final pitching session)
Site Visits: Candidates to allow the selection committee to conduct physical site visits to verify business operations and water needs of the site of operations.

Selection & Evaluation Framework

Applications will be scored based on a standard screening matrix focusing on three key pillars:

• Justification and the Need: How is the training essential for enhancing the business’s climate resilience, improving yields/ operational efficiency and reducing reliance on erratic rainfall.
• Innovation: How is the business unique in promoting green transition and what innovative efficient water management systems can be developed?
• Environmental and Social Impact: How does the business contribute to a green transition or circular economy, and does it not bring any harm to the community?
• Growth Potential: How is the Agri- business viable and has possible potential operational growth through adopting efficient water management and harvesting practices?

Application Requirements

Bulawayo City applications shall be done via this link: https://forms.gle/g28tL5N6v4yr33PP8. Mutare City applications shall be done via this link: https://forms.gle/c5Hmj4re1MYisKd39. Or alternatively you can send an email application to exportreadinesstraining@gmail.com for Bulawayo and recruitment.greengov@gmail.com for Mutare responding to the following:

Personal and Business Identity

• Full Name and Age (Must be between 18–35).
• Business Name and Physical Address of Operation.
• Contact Phone Number and Email Address.
• Links to Business Social Media or Website (Digital Footprint).

Motivational Statement and Business Impact Please provide a detailed response to the following:

• Justification of Need: Describe the specific water challenges (shortages, costs, or erratic rainfall) your business faces and how this training is essential for your survival and yield.
• Innovation: Explain how your business is unique in promoting the green transition and what innovative water systems you hope to develop.
• Growth Potential: Detail how adopting efficient water management will make your business more competitive and market oriented.
• Environmental/Social Impact: How does your business contribute to a circular economy or benefit the community without causing harm?

Technical Interest

• Which specific techniques are you most interested in mastering (e.g., hydroponics, aquaponics, organic farming, or greywater reuse)?

Commitment and Terms of Reference

By submitting this email, you formally agree to the following project terms:

• Attendance: You commit to attending the full duration of the training phases.
• Active Participation: You agree to engage in all practical exercises, including developing a water model and the final pitching session.
• Site Access: You allow the selection committee to conduct physical site visits to verify your operations and water needs.
• Information Disclosure: You agree to provide tangible proof of your business concept and registration.

Required Attachments

Please ensure the following are attached to your email:

• A copy of your National ID.
• Your Company Profile (including mission, team, and products).
• 2–3 photos or a 1-minute video of your work/production site.
• Contact details for at least two professional or business references.

Key Timelines

Privacy Notice

All personal information collected will be used solely for this application process and will not be used or shared for any other purpose. For any enquiries, you can email: exportreadinesstraining@gmail.com or recruitment.greengov@gmail.com.

Applicants will be accepted on a rolling basis, and the partners reserve the right to close the applications before the deadline once we find the eligible candidates and available slots for the training are filled.