Online Reporter
Walter Nyamukondiwa-Mashonaland West Bureau Chief
THE visiting African Development Bank Southern Africa Executive Director, Dr Eugenio Paulo, has hailed the positive impact of funding support for farmers in transforming the country’s agricultural sector.
Zimbabwe has turned the corner in realigning the agricultural sector following teething challenges after the Land Reform Programme, exacerbated by illegal economic sanctions that curtailed funding support.
Dr Paulo also commended young people in Zimbabwe for venturing into agriculture, even when they have careers in other fields.
Speaking during an assessment tour of farms in Lion’s Den, Mashonaland West province, supported through an AfDB US$25 million food production support facility, Dr Paulo said the impact of the support was impressive.
“It is pleasing to see the figures transform into tangible things that are helping to transform communities,” said Dr Paulo.
“What I have seen is quite impressive, especially that the farmers doing great things in agriculture are young people.
“Young people across Africa should emulate what is happening in Zimbabwe, where people with careers elsewhere are seeing value in agriculture.”
He reaffirmed the multilateral lending institution’s commitment to supporting Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector and infrastructure development.
Dr Paulo said the bank cherishes having been part of Zimbabwe’s unfolding successes in agriculture over the years.
Turning to Mr Tichaona Mapfoche, whose farm the delegation visited, Dr Paulo commended him for prudently using resources to increase production.
“It is commendable that you have managed to grow over the years through perseverance, private financing, including AfDB and Government support,” Dr Paulo said.
Mr Mapfoche said the support has transformed his farming project.
Mr Mapfoche, said the support has transformed his farming project.
“Through the AfDB support, I managed to secure inputs on time, which improved my yields significantly,” he said.
“I also entered into joint ventures that expanded my hectarage. My income has grown, and I am now able to reinvest in irrigation and mechanisation. This programme has truly empowered us as farmers.”
Another farmer, Mr Lincoln Chirinda, hailed the support he has received as helping to increase his productive capacity.
Government, through the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA), which is playing a key role in the Food Production Facility, hailed the effectiveness of development partner collaboration in the agriculture sector.
ARDA CEO Mr Tino Mhiko said the partnership with development partners such as AfDB was helping to feed the nation.
“As ARDA, our mandate is to feed the nation. Working with development partners like AfDB enables us to close gaps in production, introduce modern practices, and empower farmers. This synergy is vital for national food security.”
Dr Paulo earlier paid a courtesy call on Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Marian Chombo.
Minister Chombo highlighted the province’s successes in agriculture through farmers, the Government and financing partners.
“Out of 35 548 hectares of wheat planted, we have harvested over 35 296 hectares, producing more than 187 000 tonnes at an impressive 5.3 tonnes per hectare, one of the highest national averages,” she said.
“Pfumvudza/Intwasa is also on track across all districts as we target 650 000 households for the 2025/26 season. Under the Rural Development Programme, we have 141 Village Business Units, with 83 completed and 58 under construction. These partnerships are transforming the livelihoods of our people. ”
The AfDB intervened in the disruption of global supply chains caused by the war in Ukraine by rolling out a US$1 billion package for African countries.
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