Help – Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe (Help From Germany) is a German non-profit development and humanitarian aid organization. Its guiding philosophy is “help for self-help” — empowering communities to build sustainable livelihoods rather than fostering dependence. It is also part of international humanitarian alliances.

History & Scope in Zimbabwe

Help has been active in Zimbabwe for around 30 years. Initially, it focused on emergency relief during severe droughts and crises. Over time, the work shifted toward development-oriented projects, with a strong emphasis on climate-resilient agriculture, livelihoods, and strengthening rural communities.

Key Areas of Work & Programs in Zimbabwe

Help’s activities in Zimbabwe cover several areas:

Focus Area Activities / Examples
Sustainable Agriculture / Crop Resilience Distributing drought-tolerant seeds and training farmers in water-conserving vegetable growing methods.
Poultry / Livestock Support Training communities in chicken farming, providing laying hens, and helping families earn income through eggs and poultry sales.
Beekeeping / Honey Production Supporting smallholder farmers to manage bee colonies and produce honey as a source of income.
“Lead Farmer” Model / Knowledge Sharing Training select farmers who then pass on their skills and knowledge to neighboring communities.
Emergency Relief / Food Aid Providing food packages and direct support during droughts and other humanitarian crises.
Partnership with Local Actors Working with local organizations to design and implement projects that fit the context and needs of rural Zimbabwe.
Institutional & Funding Aspects

Help collaborates closely with local partners to implement its projects in Zimbabwe. It is supported by both German and international donors and aligns its work with recognized standards of transparency and accountability. The organization is part of broader networks of humanitarian and development organizations.

Limitations, Challenges & Context

Zimbabwe’s development context presents several challenges for organizations like Help:

Severe climate variability, including droughts and floods.

Persistent food security risks for rural households.

Economic instability and high inflation, which affect project sustainability.

Infrastructure and market access limitations for smallholder farmers.

External shocks, such as disease outbreaks or price volatility, which can undermine progress.

How to Engage / Opportunities

There are multiple ways to connect with Help’s work in Zimbabwe:

Employment / Careers — Help often recruits for project and field roles in Zimbabwe.

Partnerships — Local NGOs and community groups may collaborate as implementing partners.

Donations or Support — Individuals and institutions can contribute funding or resources.

Project Proposals — Communities can propose initiatives in areas like agriculture or food security.

Research & Monitoring — Academics and consultants can support with project evaluation and data collection.