Online Reporter
Theseus Mauruki Shambare
Herald Correspondent
GOVERNMENT has taken delivery of a consignment of mechanisation and post-harvest equipment aimed at improving agricultural productivity and reducing losses, as efforts to modernise the sector gather pace.
The equipment, handed over on Tuesday morning in Harare by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) with support from the African Development Bank (AfDB), is part of the Zimbabwe Emergency Food Production Project (ZEFPP), which targets smallholder farmers across the country.
The package includes metal silos, multi-crop threshers, and combine harvesters, which are expected to enhance harvesting efficiency and improve grain storage at both household and community levels.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development, Professor Obert Jiri, said the intervention comes at a critical time as the country intensifies efforts to curb post-harvest losses.
“We are witnessing not just a transfer of equipment, but a manifestation of a partnership that is deliberately transforming Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector,” he said.
Prof Jiri said post-harvest losses remained a major challenge, undermining both food security and farmer incomes.
“For maize alone, we lose a significant portion of our harvest, while for vegetables, losses can be even higher. This is unacceptable for a nation pursuing food security,” he said.
African Development Bank country manager for Zimbabwe, Ms Eyerusalem Fasika, said the intervention reflects a shift towards strengthening efficiency within the agricultural value chain.
“Post-harvest losses remain a significant constraint, particularly for smallholder farmers who often lack access to appropriate storage and mechanisation services,” she said.
“This intervention is designed to provide practical solutions that will reduce losses, improve efficiency and support value addition at the community level.”
FAO subregional coordinator for Southern Africa, Dr Patrice Talla, said the handover was part of a broader strategy to transform agrifood systems.
“This is not simply about equipment; it is about protecting harvests, improving livelihoods and strengthening resilience,” he said.
Chief director for agricultural engineering and mechanisation, Engineer Edwin Zimunga, said the equipment would be deployed through structured systems to ensure broad access.
“The design ensures that there is impact at the household, village and community level,” he said.
The equipment will be distributed through Government-led systems, working with local authorities and farmer organisations to ensure that smallholder farmers benefit.
