Mutare
Mutare, in the East of Zimbabwe, is the third most populous city with over 500,000 inhabitants, half of which are urban. Of this urban population, over 50 percent are under 25. Unfortunately, school dropout and youth unemployment rates are high, as is drug and alcohol abuse.
Local authorities are developing an Urban Food Policy Framework, but there is no specific food policy at municipal level yet. The city does have a multi-stakeholder Food and Nutrition Security Committee, and the Mutare City Council supports informal markets, which play an important role in food security. Mutare also has a strong youth network, and a number of community youth groups.
Urban Futures is working to revive the authority and vibrancy (including youth representation) of the Committee, while supporting multi-actor processes and linking them to youth-led initiatives. In this way, the program can help the city transform its food systems and join the MUFPP. Urban Futures is also exploring further collaboration with key actors like farmers organizations, impact hubs and women’s associations.
Partner
Green Governance Zimbabwe Trust
Green Governance Zimbabwe Trust is a youth-focused institution aimed at promoting sustainable environmental and climate governance. It works toward transparent and sustainable administration of natural resources for securing food and nutrition security. The organization provides a platform for debate and discussion for communities, policy makers and other environmental stakeholders.
Specific role in Urban Futures:
- Coordinating local and national engagement and partnerships with relevant stakeholders in (private) formal and informal sectors, youth movements, and with entrepreneurs
- Establishing mechanisms for youth participation in decision-making and policy influencing that will last beyond the project
- Promoting ownership and active participation of youth in the long-term food system planning and decision-making processes of the city