A decade of dedication to transforming lives and communities affected by drug and substance abuse
Building hope and resilience in Zimbabwean communities for over a decade
To provide comprehensive, innovative, and sustainable solutions for drug and substance abuse rehabilitation while empowering individuals, families, and communities to build resilient, productive futures.
A Zimbabwe where every individual affected by drug and substance abuse has access to transformative rehabilitation services that restore hope, dignity, and purpose through holistic, community-centered approaches.
For the past ten years, Takura Trust has been at the forefront of addressing drug and substance abuse (DSA) in Zimbabwe, specifically serving communities across Bulawayo, Midlands, and Matebeleland North Provinces. Our organization was founded on the principle that every individual deserves a second chance and that sustainable recovery requires more than just medical intervention—it demands comprehensive support that addresses the whole person and their environment.
Throughout our decade of service, we have witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of drug and substance abuse on individuals, families, and entire communities. We have also seen the incredible resilience and potential for transformation that exists within every person we serve. This dual perspective has shaped our approach and reinforced our commitment to developing innovative, evidence-based solutions that go beyond traditional treatment models.
Our work has evolved from providing basic support services to developing comprehensive programs that address the complex, interconnected factors contributing to substance abuse. We have learned that effective intervention requires not just treating the symptoms of addiction, but addressing its root causes: poverty, unemployment, trauma, social isolation, and lack of opportunity.
The principles that guide our work and define our approach to transformation
We approach every individual with empathy, understanding, and respect, recognizing that addiction is a complex health condition, not a moral failing.
We believe in the inherent potential for transformation in every person and work to cultivate hope even in the most challenging circumstances.
We recognize that sustainable recovery happens within supportive communities and work to strengthen social connections and support networks.
We continuously seek new, evidence-based approaches to address the evolving challenges of drug and substance abuse in our communities.
We operate with transparency, accountability, and ethical standards in all our programs and partnerships.
We design programs that create lasting change and build capacity within communities to continue the work of transformation.
Understanding the growing crisis that drives our urgent need for innovative solutions
Over our ten years of operation, we have witnessed an alarming and consistent increase in the number of individuals seeking help for drug and substance abuse. What began as isolated cases in specific communities has evolved into a widespread crisis affecting every demographic group. Young people, in particular, are being drawn into substance use at increasingly younger ages, with some users reported to be as young as 10 years old.
The substances of abuse have also diversified and become more potent. We have seen the emergence of crystal methamphetamine (locally known as mutoriro or guka), the proliferation of high-potency cannabis variants like skunk, and the widespread abuse of prescription medications such as codeine-based cough syrups. Each new substance brings its own set of challenges and requires specialized knowledge and intervention strategies.
Perhaps the most heartbreaking aspect of our work has been witnessing the high rates of relapse among individuals who have received treatment. Despite their best efforts and our support, many clients find themselves returning to substance use after periods of sobriety. This pattern has taught us that traditional, short-term interventions are insufficient to address the complex, deeply rooted factors that drive addiction.
Through careful analysis of these cases, we have identified several critical gaps in the current treatment system: the lack of long-term support structures, insufficient attention to underlying trauma and mental health issues, absence of economic opportunities post-treatment, and the persistent stigma that prevents successful reintegration into communities. These insights have been instrumental in shaping our vision for the Harvest of Hope initiative.
One of the most concerning trends we have observed is the increasing number of children being affected by drug and substance abuse, both as direct users and as victims of family dysfunction caused by parental substance use. Children in households affected by addiction often experience neglect, abuse, educational disruption, and emotional trauma that can have lifelong consequences.
We have also seen children as young as primary school age experimenting with substances, often introduced by older peers or family members. This early exposure significantly increases the risk of developing severe addiction problems and represents a fundamental threat to Zimbabwe's future human capital development.
Our decade of experience has revealed critical weaknesses in Zimbabwe's current approach to drug and substance abuse
The current system operates in silos, with little coordination between medical, social, legal, and community services. Clients often fall through the cracks as they navigate between different agencies and programs that don't communicate effectively with each other.
The criminalization of drug use creates barriers to seeking help and perpetuates stigma. Many individuals avoid treatment for fear of legal consequences, allowing their conditions to worsen until they require emergency intervention.
Existing treatment facilities are severely under-resourced and overwhelmed. The shortage of trained mental health professionals, limited bed capacity, and inadequate funding result in long waiting lists and substandard care.
The most critical gap is the absence of comprehensive aftercare and reintegration support. Individuals may receive short-term treatment but are then returned to the same environments and circumstances that contributed to their substance use without adequate ongoing support.
How we're addressing these challenges through current programs and future innovation
Our existing programs—home-based counseling, hospital support, and school support—represent our immediate response to the crisis. These services provide essential support and have helped hundreds of individuals and families. However, our experience has shown us that while these programs are valuable, they are not sufficient to address the scale and complexity of the problem we face.
Home-based counseling allows us to work with individuals in their own environments, addressing family dynamics and environmental factors that contribute to substance use. Our hospital support program ensures that individuals receiving medical treatment for drug-related conditions also receive psychological and social support. Our school support initiatives focus on prevention and early intervention, working with young people before they develop serious substance use problems.
Through our programs, we have reached thousands of individuals across our three target provinces. We have provided counseling to families torn apart by addiction, supported young people in making healthier choices, and worked with communities to develop local capacity for addressing substance abuse. Our work has contributed to increased awareness about the nature of addiction as a health condition rather than a moral failing.
We have also built strong partnerships with local healthcare facilities, schools, traditional leaders, and community organizations. These relationships have been essential to our effectiveness and will be crucial to the success of our future initiatives.
The Harvest of Hope initiative represents our response to the limitations we have identified in current approaches to drug and substance abuse treatment. This innovative farm-based rehabilitation model is designed to address the whole person—their physical health, mental well-being, social connections, economic prospects, and spiritual needs.
By combining evidence-based clinical treatment with practical skills training, meaningful work, and community building, Harvest of Hope aims to break the cycle of addiction and create pathways to sustainable recovery and productive citizenship. This model recognizes that true healing requires time, comprehensive support, and the opportunity to rebuild one's life on a foundation of purpose, skill, and hope.
Our vision extends beyond individual transformation to community and national impact. We see Harvest of Hope as a model that can be replicated across Zimbabwe and beyond, contributing to the country's agricultural development while addressing one of its most pressing social challenges.
Our decade of experience has prepared us for this next phase of innovation and impact. Help us establish Harvest of Hope and transform the landscape of drug and substance abuse treatment in Zimbabwe.