Zimbabwe Charts a Bold Course for Agricultural Transformation and Food Security by 2030

"This is a crucial time to emphasize sustainable, resilient, and inclusive agri-food systems," said Louis Muhigirwa, Deputy FAO Representative in Zimbabwe, highlighting the urgency of this transformative effort.

Amid mounting global challenges—including climate change, economic volatility, and geopolitical tensions—Zimbabwe is undertaking a historic transformation of its agricultural sector. With critical support from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the nation has laid out an ambitious roadmap to achieve food security, economic resilience, and sustainable development by 2030.

"This is a crucial time to emphasize sustainable, resilient, and inclusive agri-food systems," said Louis Muhigirwa, Deputy FAO Representative in Zimbabwe, highlighting the urgency of this transformative effort.

Agriculture: The Heart of Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030

The Government of Zimbabwe has strategically placed agriculture at the center of its national development agenda. As articulated by Agnes Mugova, Director of Strategic Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation at the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development (MLAFWRD), "Agriculture is the key driver for attaining Vision 2030."

The Zimbabwe Agriculture Food Systems Transformation Strategy (2020) is the cornerstone of this ambition. Designed to promote food security, import substitution, value addition, and youth employment, it offers a comprehensive blueprint for agricultural renewal. This integrated approach aims not only to produce more food but also to generate wealth, foster rural development, and reduce dependency on imports.

FAO’s Comprehensive Support: Beyond Traditional Assistance

FAO’s partnership with Zimbabwe has been integral to this vision. Supporting Zimbabwe’s commitments made during the 2021 United Nations Food Systems Summit (UNFSS), FAO is advancing transformation through five key pathways:

• Enhancing livelihoods and food security

• Developing and rehabilitating irrigation infrastructure

• Supporting livestock health and disease control

• Reducing post-harvest losses

• Promoting nutrition-sensitive agriculture

FAO initiatives encompass modernizing seed policies, promoting climate-smart technologies, improving infrastructure, and facilitating market access. "Our role extends beyond simple assistance," noted Louis Muhigirwa. "We are empowering farmers, extension officers, and agribusinesses with the tools and knowledge they need to transform agriculture into a resilient, technology-driven sector."

Through technical collaboration, Zimbabwe is successfully "domesticating" global agreements, ensuring that international commitments translate into tangible national actions.

Innovative Approaches: Pillars of the Transformation Strategy

The four key pillars underpinning Zimbabwe's agricultural transformation include:

1. Enabling Policy Environment: Strengthening regulatory frameworks to promote innovation, investment, and sustainability.

2. Agricultural Investment Models: Encouraging public-private partnerships and financial models that drive sector growth.

3. Research and Development: Prioritizing R&D to foster innovation in crop production, livestock, and resource management.

4. Modernization: Embracing mechanization, digital agriculture, and agro-processing to enhance productivity and value addition.

Specific initiatives already underway include:

• Upgrading agricultural banks to offer more farmer-friendly financial products

• Introducing insurance and risk-reduction policies for smallholders

• Boosting indigenous food production to preserve local biodiversity

As FAO Agrifood Systems Coordination Specialist Phillip Goredema emphasized, “The ultimate goal is to transform Zimbabwe’s agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable.”

Tackling Systemic Challenges with a Holistic Vision

Zimbabwe's strategy goes beyond solving individual problems—it seeks to overhaul the entire agricultural ecosystem. A senior official explained, "We are weaving together economic, social, and environmental strands into a cohesive strategy for a future-proof food system."

The strategy addresses:

• Climate adaptation through drought-resistant crops and efficient water management

• Economic empowerment via job creation and rural development

• Food security through improved local production and reduced import dependence

• Nutritional improvement by promoting diverse, healthy diets

Notably, special attention is being paid to youth and women empowerment, ensuring that marginalized groups are fully integrated into the new agricultural economy.

Future Outlook: Collaboration, Innovation, and Resilience

As Zimbabwe marches toward 2030, the ongoing collaboration between the government, FAO, and other international partners stands as a beacon of hope for a food-secure, economically vibrant future.

"Our aim is not just to feed our people today," a government representative concluded, "but to build a dynamic, innovative agricultural sector that can drive sustainable economic growth and secure opportunities for generations to come."

Through vision, commitment, and innovation, Zimbabwe is positioning itself as a leader in agricultural transformation—not just in Africa, but globally.