Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
THE Government has acknowledged the vital role female farmers play in sustaining the agricultural sector, emphasizing that their contributions are central to achieving national food security.
Across the country, women are actively engaged in crop production, livestock rearing, and horticulture.
Their participation not only drives growth and development in rural communities but also strengthens household resilience.
By empowering families and stimulating local economies through job creation and income generation, female farmers are proving to be a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s agricultural progress.
Their efforts, the Government noted, are not just about producing food—they are about building stronger communities, advancing national goals, and ensuring that Zimbabwe moves closer to lasting food security.
This was said by the director for Rural Development in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development, Mr Leonard Munamati, during a field day held at Ms Mavis Mupingo’s farm in Nyazura last week.
During his address, Mr Munamati revealed that Government has tailor-made programmes specifically meant to assist women in agriculture, and the results are encouraging across the country.
“As a ministry, we are supporting women with programmes like the AGRIC4SHE section under the Department of Rural Development, which is an initiative of the First Lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, who is assisting us to get women involved in agriculture. A lot of women are now fully participating in agriculture and treating it as a viable business. What is also encouraging is that most of them have embraced value addition of their produce. Normally, women are good at preserving and drying foods. We are seeing products like sweet potato chips, flour and others.
“As Government, we have a sweet potato programme where we give female farmers inputs. We also give them vegetable seeds to carry out horticulture in their gardens. This support has enabled women to succeed in agriculture. We also have the Women’s Bank where they can access affordable loans to finance their agricultural businesses,” said Mr Munamati.
Accessing loans enables women farmers to expand their operations, invest in modern equipment and technology, and increase their yields and productivity. This, in turn, enhances their income, food security, and economic empowerment, ultimately contributing to the well-being of their families and communities.
Zimbabwe Integrated Commercial Farmers union president, Mrs Maivepi Niti said women are overcoming obstacles associated with farming, registering huge successes.
“Agriculture is no longer a men’s territory alone as women are playing a huge part in the production of food. Women must not be afraid to venture into farming as it is just like any other business, with challenges and benefits. Since it is our duty to feed families, we should play an active role in producing that food. We require assistance and support in the form of affordable capital, subsidised inputs and machinery to mechanise our operations,” said Mrs Niti.
Mrs Niti said offering assistance and support in the form of affordable capital, subsidised inputs, and machinery to mechanise female farmers’ operations can significantly enhance their productivity and competitiveness.
This would enable them to increase their yields, reduce labour costs, and improve the quality of their produce, ultimately leading to increased income and economic empowerment. Additionally, it can also create employment opportunities and stimulate local economic growth, contributing to poverty reduction and food security.
Ms Mupingo, who practises mixed agriculture comprising poultry, piggery, food crops, and horticulture, among others, urged other women not to hesitate to venture into agriculture as it is rewarding.
“Agriculture should not be viewed as a last option. People must take it up early and gain valuable experience. We go through a lot of challenges here, but we have not looked back. Once properly done and on a full-time basis, agriculture is a very lucrative option compared to other sectors. Women should start small and learn the ropes. This year, the rains have been so good, and we expect a good harvest,” said Ms Mupingo.
