Online Reporter
Judith Phiri [email protected]
Zimbabwe has been said to be standing ready to lead in linking global carbon markets with local innovation, proving that restoring land is not only an ecological imperative but also an economic opportunity.
With seasonal forecasts pointing to the predicted El Niño phenomenon, global weather models indicate a 90 percent probability that the weather event will develop during the 2026/27 summer growing season. Experts have called for leveraging carbon credits to achieve drought resilience and sustainable management.
In an interview, Mr Kwanele Hlabangana, the executive chairman of “The ClimatePrenuer”, a premier African-based initiative focused on promoting climate action, sustainability and entrepreneurship, said in light of challenges emanating from climate change, carbon credits present a vital opportunity to mobilise climate finance for land restoration, reforestation and soil regeneration.
“Under Section 73 of the Constitution, Zimbabwe has established a clear legal policy framework for climate change management coupled with structured systems for carbon trading, emissions tracking and climate resilience.
“By monetising carbon sequestration, Zimbabwe can reinvest in drought resilience measures that strengthen food security and empower communities,” he said.
He said complementing this, the Pfumvudza/Intwasa Climate-Smart Agriculture programme continues to transform the country’s agricultural landscape, especially in drought-prone areas like Matabeleland South and Matabeleland North provinces.
Mr Hlabangana said through conservation farming techniques such as minimum tillage, mulching, crop rotation and efficient water use, Pfumvudza/Intwasa enhances soil fertility, improves moisture retention and ensures productivity even under erratic rainfall.
“When integrated with carbon credit schemes, Pfumvudza/Intwasa generates measurable carbon savings while building resilience for our people.
“President Mnangagwa has on several occasions emphasised that ‘Pfumvudza/Intwasa is the pathway to climate resilience, food security, and sustainable land management. By restoring the land, we restore hope for the people,’” he added.
Meanwhile, farmers have been urged to immediately start and expedite potholing for Pfumvudza/Intwasa plots as Government intensifies preparations for the 2026/27 cropping season, with the programme’s coverage targeted to reach one million hectares.
The call comes as Zimbabwe prepares for a potentially drier season, with Government placing greater emphasis on climate-proofing, water conservation and agro-ecological tailoring to safeguard food production under dryland conditions.
Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development Permanent Secretary, Professor Obert Jiri, said farmers should use the current dry period to prepare their plots rather than wait for the onset of rains when land preparation becomes more difficult and valuable time is lost.
“Farmers must start and expedite the holing out of Pfumvudza/Intwasa plots. We are encouraging farmers to use this period when the soils are still workable to prepare their plots so that when the rains come, they are ready to plant,” he said.
Pfumvudza/Intwasa has progressively expanded over the years as Government seeks to strengthen household food security and build resilience to climate variability.
Last season, 718 000 hectares were put under Pfumvudza/Intwasa, representing a significant increase from previous seasons, while the target has now been raised to one million hectares.
The expansion comes at a time when rainfall uncertainty is making water conservation an increasingly decisive factor in crop production.
Prof Jiri said Pfumvudza/Intwasa was more than a production programme, describing it as a major climate-proofing intervention designed to improve crop performance under difficult moisture conditions.
“Pfumvudza/Intwasa is a massive climate-proofing agenda. If farmers do not climate-proof when the season is drier, it will be very difficult for dryland crops to make it. We have to prepare now and make sure that every farmer is ready before the rains arrive.”
