Purpose:
Research Methods International, in partnership with SoCHA, was contracted by USAID Zimbabwe to conduct a large-scale evaluation assessing the contribution of community gardens to household income and nutrition outcomes across Zimbabwe. The evaluation aimed to generate robust, policy-relevant evidence on the effectiveness of USAID-supported community gardens in improving food security, dietary diversity, and household economic resilience.

The study focused on households currently or previously participating in community gardens and examined garden functionality, production systems, governance arrangements, and linkages to income and nutrition outcomes.

Methodology:
The evaluation applied a mixed-methods design, combining a nationally representative quantitative household survey (4,000 households across 200 community gardens in 24 districts), structured observations of garden infrastructure and management, and qualitative key informant interviews (400 KIIs) with agricultural extension officers, community leaders, and health workers. The design enabled comparative analysis across districts, partners, and garden typologies.

Status:
Completed. The assignment delivered high-quality datasets, observation records, and qualitative evidence to support USAID’s learning, adaptation, and future programming decisions on community-based food security and livelihood interventions.