Precious Manomano
Herald Reporter
ZIMBABWE has secured a US$5,4 million grant from China to support nine irrigation schemes covering nearly 1 600 hectares across several provinces, as the Government steps up efforts to strengthen food production against the effects of climate change.
The grant is expected to contribute to the modernisation of agriculture by expanding irrigation capacity and reducing farmers’ dependence on increasingly unpredictable rainfall.
Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri, said the support would help the country build resilience against climate-related shocks while safeguarding national food security.
He was speaking after the signing of the grant agreement on Tuesday in Harare, which he described as an important contribution to Government’s efforts to climate-proof agriculture.
“As we continue our efforts to respond to the challenges of climate change, we are today receiving a US$5,4 million grant from our friends in China to support nine irrigation schemes across the provinces, covering nearly 1 600 hectares,” he said.
Prof Jiri said irrigation development was critical to reducing the risks associated with erratic rainfall and ensuring that farmers could continue producing food even when rains were inadequate.
“Whether it rains or not, we must be able to reduce the risks to our food production and ensure food security. We therefore appreciate our partners for supporting these efforts,” he said.
He said irrigation development and mechanisation were central to modernising the agricultural sector and improving its capacity to withstand climate-related challenges.
China Aid Team leader and Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Minister Counsellor Tang Xiaoping said the signing of the agreement marked an important milestone in efforts to improve agricultural productivity and strengthen Zimbabwe’s resilience to climate change.
“The signing of this agreement is a milestone in this important project to increase the productivity of Zimbabwe’s agriculture and strengthen Zimbabwe’s resilience to climate change,” he said.
Minister Counsellor Tang said China valued its comprehensive partnership with Zimbabwe and remained committed to supporting the country in realising the benefits of agricultural development.
“China has a comprehensive partnership with Zimbabwe. Our two countries are good friends. We are committed to supporting Zimbabwe so that it can benefit in agriculture,” he said.
The grant comes as Zimbabwe continues to prioritise irrigation development as part of broader efforts to transform agriculture, increase productivity and reduce vulnerability to droughts and changing weather patterns.
Expanding irrigation infrastructure is expected to give farmers greater control over water availability, support more reliable production and contribute to the country’s long-term food security objectives.
The partnership also highlights the role of international cooperation in mobilising resources for agricultural development and strengthening resilience to climate change.
