Online Reporter
Sikhulekelani Moyo
Zimpapers Business Hub
THE Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) says smart farming has become critical to sustain agriculture in the country in the wake of the negative impact of climate change.
The industrial lobby said climate-proofing was no longer optional but a necessity, while investments in renewable energy had become paramount to driving agriculture in Zimbabwe.
Agriculture is critically important to Zimbabwe, serving as the backbone of the economy and a primary source of livelihood for a large portion of the population.
It’s a major employer and significant source of export earnings, especially from tobacco, the country’s single largest shipment from the sector, raking in more than US$1 billion annually.
The indispensable growing importance of climate-smart farming was accurately demonstrated during the 2025 Agricultural Dealers and Manufacturers Association (ADMA) Agricultural Show.
This highlighted the critical transformation in Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector, being driven by innovation, sustainability and a strong shift towards value addition.
Held in Harare from June 5 to 7, CZI said the show saw an increasing number of companies offering solar and other renewable energy solutions tailored for farmers.
In a LinkedIn post, CZI lead research officer Mr Macdonald Mutengo said this not only reflected a growing commitment to energy efficiency and climate resilience, but also pointed to a clear strategy for reducing operational costs in farming.
“Climate change is no longer a distant threat; it is a lived reality. And climate-proofing agriculture is no longer optional; it is essential. From renewable energy to climate-smart practices, sustainability is now central to Zimbabwe’s agricultural future,” said Mr Mutengo.
“Smart farming is no longer a concept reserved for the future; it is becoming the standard.
“Technologies such as agricultural robotics, precision irrigation and solar-powered farm systems are now firmly on the radar of Zimbabwean farmers.
“These innovations are enabling a broader transition toward data-driven, resource-efficient agriculture, a shift that will help drastically lower costs and improve yields.”
Poor yields have long plagued Zimbabwe’s farming community, often leading to inflated prices for agricultural commodities.
The cost burden cascades into the agro-processing sector, making the local industry less competitive.
Smart agriculture offers a viable cure.
Improved productivity at the farm level can restore competitiveness and unlock new growth opportunities across the value chain.
Mr Mutengo said that during the ADMA show, one notable development emerged from Kutsaga’s research on hemp.
He said Kutsaga’s work on developing Zimbabwe-appropriate hemp varieties and converting them into value-added products like fibre board is both innovative and strategic.
“This shift toward industrial processing, rather than mere raw production, presents a new frontier for Zimbabwe’s industrialisation ambitions,” he said.
“It opens up new export markets, supports job creation and aligns with global trends in green manufacturing. With rising global pressure, including potential tobacco market restrictions, hemp could offer a viable alternative crop for Zimbabwean farmers.”
Mr Mutengo said the pivot toward such high-value crops, coupled with strong value chains, signals a maturing agri-sector and a pathway to long-term economic transformation.
“In summary, the 2025 ADMA Show showcased a sector on the move, driven by technology, anchored in sustainability, and focused on value addition.
“With the right policy support and sustained investment, these trends have the power to redefine Zimbabwe’s role in global agri-industrial markets,” said Mr Mutengo.
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