Online Reporter
Elita Chikwati
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development, Professor Obert Jiri, has urged farmers to use available knowledge and internalise Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) to boost agricultural productivity.
He was speaking at the Zimbabwe 2026/27 Agricultural Season – A Whole Value Chain Preparedness Summit organised by Zimpapers at the Robbie Mupawose Hall at the Showgrounds in Harare.
The event is sponsored by SeedCo, Zinwa, Zimplow and Zimnat.
Commenting on the Zimpapers’ online publication, The Morning Harvest newsletter, Prof Jiri said farmers must develop a culture of reading and actively seek information to make informed decisions.
He challenged farmers and stakeholders to embrace Indigenous Knowledge Systems, saying local indicators remain critical in decision-making, especially under changing climatic conditions.
“People have been reactive. We have been event responders, but we must shift to being anticipatory. Our focus must turn to preparation for livelihoods and national food security,” he said.
Prof Jiri said the Ministry presented a drought-mitigation plan to Cabinet. The plan acknowledges emerging threats, including escalating production costs driven by high fuel prices and a high probability of elevated temperatures in the coming season.
He said the Ministry had anchored preparations for the 2026/27 season on six pillars to boost production and safeguard food security, even under El Niño conditions.
