Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
The Commercialised Zunde Programme has been launched in Bromley under the leadership of Chief Rusike, real name Witness Mashawe, with the initiative targeting increased agricultural production, food security and climate resilience in rural communities.
The programme seeks to transform the traditional Zunde concept into a commercially oriented agricultural enterprise while supporting the Government’s Vision 2030 agenda on agricultural commercialisation, rural development, industrialisation and technological adoption.
The launch brought together representatives from Government departments, the University of Zimbabwe (UZ) and traditional leaders who pledged technical support and guidance towards the implementation of the programme.
Village heads also voluntarily registered as members and shareholders of the Zunde Co-operative, giving communities ownership and leadership roles in the initiative.
The programme is expected to play a role in mitigating the effects of forecast El Niño-induced dry spells and drought conditions during the 2026/27 agricultural season.
Under the programme, up to 20 hectares of irrigable land will be identified per village head for maize production, with the crop targeting the National Strategic Grain Reserve.
Traditional leaders will promote climate-smart agriculture through Farmer Field Schools, which will provide farmers with training aimed at improving agricultural productivity and strengthening resilience to climate change.
UZ has also committed to developing a digital platform to facilitate the marketing of produce from co-operative members.
The platform will serve as a one-stop information hub for farmers and other stakeholders across the agricultural value chain, improving access to markets and agricultural information.
Speaking at the launch, Chief Rusike thanked stakeholders for supporting the initiative and expressed particular appreciation to UZ for partnering with the community.
“I would like to thank all the participants for supporting the launch of the Rusike Zunde Business Co-operative. I would also like to particularly thank the University of Zimbabwe for accepting our invitation to partner with the community,” he said.
Chief Rusike urged UZ to become part of the co-operative and said the partnership will benefit both the institution and the community.
“I request that the university becomes part of the co-operative because it will benefit greatly from this partnership,” he said.
Chief Rusike said the programme should be implemented at village level to promote broad community participation, ownership and accountability.
He described the initiative as “Agriculture 2.0”, representing a shift from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture driven by technology, innovation and value addition.
“This is Agriculture 2.0. We are moving from subsistence farming towards commercial agriculture supported by technology, innovation and value addition,” he said.
Chief Rusike encouraged communities to embrace smart agriculture through land mapping, electronic record keeping, mobile phone technologies and production for export markets, while combining modern farming methods with traditional agricultural knowledge.
He said the partnership with UZ will contribute to increased agricultural productivity, community empowerment and sustainable rural development.
The immediate focus is on mobilising village heads and co-operative members to identify and prepare irrigable land, finalising the co-operative’s registration and governance structures and strengthening stakeholder coordination for technical, financial and input support.
Farmer Field Schools and climate-smart agriculture training are also expected to be rolled out ahead of the 2026/27 summer cropping season.
The initiative is expected to complement national efforts to strengthen food security and improve rural livelihoods through increased agricultural production and commercialisation.
