Online Reporter
Theseus Shambare
The Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) is transforming Zimbabwe’s rural landscape, positioning villages as industrial hubs where agriculture drives inclusive growth and job creation under Vision 2030.
Through irrigation schemes, village business units and milk collection centres, ARDA is moving beyond traditional farming to integrate smallholder farmers into structured value chains and local enterprise networks.
“Our Rural Development and Industrialisation Directorate drives agri-based industrialisation, rural infrastructure development and commercialisation of agriculture,” said ARDA operations director Washington Katiyo.
“Village business units and milk collection centres empower communities, strengthen value chains and anchor sustainable livelihoods.”
The authority’s initiatives are already yielding measurable results.
Smallholder farmers, who previously relied on seasonal markets, now supply milk, horticultural produce and other commodities directly to commercial processors.
Irrigation projects have increased yields and mitigated the impact of erratic rainfall in semi-arid zones, while village-based business units provide storage, processing and logistics services that add value locally and create employment.
By integrating public private partnerships, ARDA ensures that rural communities benefit from investment in processing facilities, transport networks and market access, keeping profits circulating within districts rather than being siphoned to urban centres.
Farmers in districts served by ARDA report improved incomes and livelihoods. Milk collection centres have stabilised earnings for dairy farmers, while village processing units have allowed grain, fruits and vegetables to reach larger markets efficiently.
“We are not only producing raw materials anymore; we are creating local enterprises that add value here at home,” Katiyo said.
