Sidumisile Mabena
Judith Phiri, [email protected]
The Madhumeni/Abalimisi for Agricultural Transformation and Economic Development affiliate, has officially launched its presence in Mashonaland East Province setting the stage for youth-driven agricultural transformation.
Commonly known as Madhumeni/Abalimisi for ED, the launch officiated by National Chairperson Cde Peter Nyeredzi, marked a strong declaration of the affiliate’s commitment to aligning grassroots agricultural initiatives with Government programmes and the ZANU PF ideology.
Cde Nyeredzi expressed gratitude to the ZANU PF led Government under the leadership of the President Mnangagwa who is the revolutionary party’s First Secretary, for creating an enabling environment for grassroots initiatives to thrive and contribute meaningfully to national development.
“Madhumeni/Abalimisi for ED was born out of the realisation that agriculture must transform from a subsistence activity into a sustainable economic driver.
“The affiliate exists to complement Government programmes by mobilising farmers, capacitating them with knowledge and supporting their participation across the entire agricultural value chain,” he said.
He said the initiative was fully aligned with ZANU PF ideology, which places land, empowerment and productivity at the centre of economic liberation.
Cde Nyeredzi said while the Land Reform Programme delivered land to the people, Madhumeni/Abalimisi for ED’s focus was to ensure that the land produces wealth, guarantees food security and restores dignity.
“Mashonaland East is a strategic province in the national development agenda, endowed with fertile soils and hardworking farming communities with immense potential to become a powerhouse of agricultural production. The affiliate will work closely with traditional leaders, party structures, youth, women and farmers to unlock this potential,” he added.
He said the affiliate’s priorities include promoting climate-smart and modern farming methods, encouraging value addition and agro-processing.
While also empowering women and youth to embrace agriculture as a business, strengthening cooperative farming models and improving access to markets.
Cde Nyeredzi emphasised that organised, informed and supported farmers become a powerful force for economic development, noting that agriculture has moved beyond survival to innovation, income generation, and nation-building.
Cde Edson Makina, representing the Provincial Chairman for Zanu Pf, Mashonaland East Province, Cde Daniel Garwe, underscored agriculture’s central role in national prosperity and its alignment with National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), food and nutrition security.
“Agriculture contributes significantly to gross domestic product, creates millions of jobs and underpins food security. The initiatives implemented by Madhumeni/Abalimisi, including Pfumvudza/Intwasa have uplifted rural livelihoods,” he said.
“ZANU PF has consistently championed policies that support farmers, from fair trade practices to funding agricultural infrastructure, laying a firm foundation for sustainable growth through investment in research, innovation, smallholder support and climate-resilient practices.”
Seke District head in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Mr Hudson Mutsvangwa representing Provincial Agriculture Director said the launch was significant for Agriculture Business Advisory Officers.
“Aligning farmers with the ruling party ideology, which informs Government policy is critical. It strengthens coordination between the State and producers, enhancing understanding and implementation of national agricultural programmes.”
A Seke District farmer, Mrs Winet Manyere, welcomed the launch, saying that while farmers had long worked productively with Agriculture Business Advisory Officers, the affiliate had addressed a missing link by unifying farmers under one political and developmental vision.
She said the alignment achieved through the affiliate would further enhance productivity, noting that farmers are firmly aligned with ZANU PF.
The launch of Madhumeni/Abalimisi for ED marks a significant step in strengthening the link between Government policy and grassroots production, ensuring that youth, women, and organised farmers are fully integrated into national agricultural programmes aimed at boosting productivity, value addition, and economic development in line with Vision 2030.
Online Reporter