Govt targets 500 000ha under irrigation by 2030

Mutsawashe Mashandure-Herald Correspondent

THE Government has unveiled an ambitious plan to boost irrigation capacity to 496 000 hectares by 2030, a significant increase from the current 217 000 hectares.

The Department of Water Resources and Irrigation Development’s chief director, Engineer Tinayeshe Mutazu, revealed this during the Caritas Zimbabwe Strategic Plan Launch (2025-2030), where he emphasised the vast potential of Zimbabwe’s water resources.

“The country is endowed with water resources that could potentially develop up to 2 million hectares. Currently, only 233 000 hectares are equipped with irrigation infrastructure, with 217 000 hectares deemed functional,” he said.

“The interpretation is that we have to upgrade the area under irrigation to around 496 000 hectares. This entails enhancing the existing 270 000 hectares to include an additional 275 000 hectares. The goal is to achieve food self-sufficiency and position the country as a grain exporter”, he said.

In terms of food security, Mr Mutazu said Zimbabwe requires approximately 1,8 million tonnes of maize, along with 400 000 tonnes of wheat and another 400 000 metric tonnes of sorghum to meet its core needs.

He stressed the necessity of reducing reliance on rainfall for agriculture, especially in light of climate change challenges.

Engineer Mutazu said there are 460 communal irrigation schemes across the country, covering approximately 26 000 hectares, adding that there is scope for expansion.

He acknowledged that challenges persist in the sustainability of these schemes, which have faced viability issues over the years.

“We have been caught in a cycle of build, neglect, and rehabilitation. To address these challenges, the Government introduced a big data strategy model as part of its irrigation plans. This model aims to improve coordination among agriculture and rural development projects, particularly in education schemes. Irrigation is a national food security issue,” he said.

Mr Mutazu added that the Government will establish small village business units in approximately 55 000 villages to enhance food security.

“This initiative is expected to empower communities and enhance food production capabilities across the country,” he said.

A representative of Caritas Africa, Sister Linda Kanyanta, said the overall goal of the strategic framework (2024-2030) was to contribute to sustainable development in the African region.

Representative of Caritas Zimbabwe, Bishop Thomas Paul, said the initiative can be enhanced through collaboration.

“We hope that with this engagement today and by calling other stakeholders to cooperate in helping the vulnerable communities who were affected by El Niño disasters, as a church, we are here to help others. We hope this union will go a long way towards achieving our country’s goals,” he said.