ARDA anchors rural industrial hubs as Vision 2030 momentum builds

THE Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) is redefining rural development in Zimbabwe, moving beyond traditional farming to position agriculture as a springboard for inclusive growth under Vision 2030.

Through irrigation schemes, agro-industrialisation and village business units, the authority is turning rural areas into industrial hubs that create jobs, boost incomes and retain value locally.

In an update, ARDA Operations Director, Mr Washington Katiyo, said the rural development and industrialisation directorate drives agri-based industrialisation, rural infrastructure development and commercialisation of agriculture.
“Village business units and milk collection centres empower communities, strengthen value chains and anchor sustainable livelihoods. The authority’s work is already yielding tangible results, with smallholder farmers integrated into structured markets and sectors like dairy showing measurable growth,” he said.

He said by leveraging public–private partnerships, ARDA was not only improving food and industrial raw material security but also fostering local enterprise and entrepreneurship.

Mr Katiyo said by placing rural communities at the heart of industrial growth, ARDA was bridging the urban–rural development gap and steadily turning Vision 2030 from policy aspiration into lived reality across Zimbabwe.