From Idea to Impact: What ‘Make it Grow’ Has Achieved with Community Partners in Zimbabwe

This report consists of an analysis of community-based food system projects implemented in Zimbabwe in affiliation with the Make it Grow initiative. The programme aimed to support community members in developing and communicating project ideas through participatory video proposals, facilitating access to start-up funding and strengthening local capacities. Fourteen community projects were implemented in 2024, covering activities such as crop production, livestock rearing, food processing, seed saving, and agroecological practices.The analysis draws on longitudinal data collected through video reports, follow-up interviews, and participatory tools across multiple time points. A thematic analysis was used to analyse the patterns of change, project trajectories, and the mechanisms through which impact was achieved. The evidence shows that the programme has contributed to strengthening local food systems, improving livelihoods, and building community capacities, with outcomes varying across projects. Consent has been given to publish the project photos and the work received ethical approval: 046714