Self Help Development Foundation Zimbabwe

🌾 Rural Women’s Knowledge and Power in Action! ✊🏽🌱

SHDF was proud to have 10 women from Buhera participate in the 10th Rural Women’s Assembly National Meeting, facilitated by Women and Land in Zimbabwe (WLZ) at Mhondoro-Nyamweda.

The Assembly provided an important platform for rural women to share experiences, exchange knowledge, learn from one another, and strengthen networks around issues affecting women and their communities.

Our members had the opportunity to connect with women from different communities, share their experiences in farming, agroecology, value addition and community development, and gain new ideas that they can take back and apply within their groups.

We are grateful to Women and Land in Zimbabwe for creating this valuable space for learning, solidarity and empowerment of rural women.

When women come together, knowledge grows, voices become stronger, and communities become more resilient. 🌱🤝🏽💪🏽

Effect
Buhera

🤝 SHDF Does Not Discriminate. We Include. 🤝

At Self Help Development Foundation, inclusion is not just a value on our banner — it’s how we work every day.

Through our program with support from We Effect, we ensure that women and youth of all abilities have equal access to training, resources, and opportunities to build livelihoods.

In this image: A woman using crutches actively participates in SHDF Boom & Bust venture creation program. Everyone deserves a chance to learn, earn, and lead.

Our values in action:
• Equality & Non-discrimination
• Rights & Wellbeing
• Financial Inclusion for all

Thank you We Effect for partnering with us to build a more equitable and sustainable society where no one is left behind. 💚

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF FRIENDSHIP
July 30

SHDF Celebrates Friendship for Development

At Self Help Development Foundation, strong friendships build strong communities.

This International Day of Friendship, we are open to:
• Networks & Friendship Strategies for development work
• Proposal Writing Partnerships
• Collaborations with CSOs, donors & communities
• Social Enterprising for sustainable impact

Together, through friendship and partnership, we can transform lives.

Self Help Development Foundation
www.shdf.org.zw

SHDF – Building women and youth capacities Membership and Savings MobilizationSHDF is working with women and youth in 40 districts throughout Zimbabwe organized in nearly 4 000 savings clubs of 10 - 15 members each. These clubs are trained on how to save money, financial literacy and effective group management. Read More

SHDF Bounces Back with Boom & Bust Venture Creation in Bulawayo

With support from We Effect through Sida CSO funding, Self Help Development Foundation is helping women in Bulawayo turn skills into sustainable businesses.

In this training, women are learning to produce and market household products — from detergents to petroleum jelly and other fast-moving goods. The Boom & Bust approach means practical, low-cost ventures that can start small, grow fast, and withstand economic shocks.

These women aren’t just making products. They’re making incomes, jobs, and independence for their families. 💪🏾💚

Thank you We Effect and Sida for partnering with SHDF to build women’s economic resilience in Bulawayo.

🌾 Growing Food, Growing Resilience in Murewa 🌾

Self Help Development Foundation, with support from FACE, is promoting Agroecology with women and farmers in Murewa.

In the photo: community members gather under the trees to learn, share, and practice earth-friendly farming. From composting with leaves and crop residues to growing nutritious vegetables without harmful chemicals, agroecology is putting power back in the hands of farmers.

Why Agroecology?
1. Healthier soils = better yields
2. Healthier food for families
3. Climate resilience for communities facing unpredictable weather

When we work with nature, not against it, we build food systems that last. 💚

Thank you FACE for supporting this journey with SHDF.

Kumboedza Garden continues to be a shining example of sustainable farming. Members have established a diverse garden comprising maize, tomatoes, beans, and vegetables, while embracing intercropping practices to improve productivity, conserve soil moisture, and strengthen household food and nutrition security. 🌽🍅🥬🌱
# SIDA CSO


farming

SHDF Participates in CAADP Kampala Declaration Sensitisation Meeting
On 11 June 2026, the Self Help Development Foundation (SHDF) participated in a virtual stakeholder sensitisation meeting on the implementation and domestication of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Kampala Declaration.
SHDF attended the meeting through its affiliation with the Zimbabwe Land and Agrarian Network (ZiLAN), joining government representatives, civil society organisations, development partners and other stakeholders involved in Zimbabwe's agricultural transformation agenda.
The meeting provided an update on the transition from the previous Maputo Declaration framework to the new Kampala Declaration, which adopts a more holistic agrifood systems approach. Participants were briefed on the new targets, accountability mechanisms, investment commitments and inclusivity requirements aimed at accelerating sustainable agricultural development across Africa.
Key lessons from previous CAADP implementation cycles were shared, highlighting the importance of evidence-based investment decisions, stakeholder ownership, accountability, investment-ready plans, and whole-of-government and whole-of-society approaches.
Participants also received an update on Zimbabwe's domestication process, including stakeholder consultations, governance structures, development of an inclusive roadmap, and efforts to strengthen representation of women, youth and persons with disabilities within agrifood systems.
SHDF welcomes the opportunity to contribute to national discussions on agricultural development and remains committed to promoting inclusive, sustainable and community-driven approaches that improve livelihoods and strengthen food systems.


CSO

SHDF Reconnects with Longstanding Community Partners in Bulawayo
Following its successful re-engagement with key stakeholders in Bulawayo Metropolitan Province on 2 June 2026 at Mhlahlandlela Government Complex, the Self Help Development Foundation (SHDF) continued its return to the province by reconnecting with community representatives who have been part of the organisation's journey since 2017.
On 3 June 2026, SHDF met with 20 community representatives, many of whom were among the last groups engaged before programme activities in the province paused in 2017. The gathering provided an opportunity to reflect on past achievements, share experiences from the intervening years, and discuss priorities for future collaboration.
The meeting was characterized by joy, renewed hope, and a shared commitment to strengthening community-led development initiatives. Participants welcomed SHDF's return and expressed their eagerness to work together once again in promoting women's empowerment, sustainable livelihoods, climate resilience, and social inclusion.
The re-engagement forms part of SHDF's broader programme revival in Bulawayo, made possible through the continued support of Sida CSO through We Effect, with funding support expected to run until 2028. By reconnecting with both institutional stakeholders and community representatives, SHDF is laying a strong foundation for inclusive and sustainable development interventions that respond to the needs and aspirations of local communities.
SHDF extends its gratitude to all community members, leaders, and partners who have remained committed to the vision of self-help and community transformation over the years. Together, we are rebuilding partnerships and creating pathways for lasting change.