Online Reporter
Theseus Shambare
ZIMBABWE’s agriculture sector is undergoing a seismic shift towards technology-driven production, modern infrastructure, secure land tenure and youth-led agribusinesses.
From the rollout of artificial intelligence-powered grain storage facilities to irrigation support for smallholder farmers and targeted programmes designed to attract young people into commercial agriculture, the country is reshaping farming into a modern, technology-enabled industry that goes beyond traditional production to focus on value addition, innovation and sustainability.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Professor Obert Jiri said capacity building remains central to achieving Agriculture 5.0, which is aimed at strengthening food security, improving farmer productivity and positioning agriculture as a key driver of economic growth and climate resilience.
“AI (artificial intelligence), digital tools and modern machinery require skilled personnel,” he told The Sunday Mail.
“We deliver these innovations to agricultural business advisory officers and provide continuous training at the grassroots to ensure efficiency.”
Training initiatives, he said, are designed to bridge the rural-urban divide and ensure inclusive participation.
“We ensure capacity building is tailored, attractive and ongoing, leaving no young person behind,” he said.
Smart grain, smarter nation
By June this year, President Mnangagwa is expected to commission four AI-powered Grain Marketing Board (GMB) silos, each with a capacity of 56 000 tonnes, adding a combined 224 000 tonnes to the Strategic Grain Reserve.
GMB chief executive officer Dr Edson Badarai said the facilities form part of a US$500 million programme aimed at modernising grain handling and storage systems.
“These silos are more than storage facilities. They incorporate AI and IoT (internet of things) sensors that monitor load levels, track fleet movements and prevent spoilage,” he said.
Chief director of agricultural engineering, mechanisation, farm infrastructure development and soil conservation Engineer Edwin Zimunga said the technology predicts storage risks and tracks deliveries in real time.
“The system ensures farmers’ grain is protected from climate shocks while improving efficiency across the value chain,” he said.
The new infrastructure is supported by 22 additional trucks and 1 804 collection points, measures expected to reduce post-harvest losses, lower logistical costs and improve market access for farmers.
Farmers have welcomed the development.
“For me, this means my maize reaches millers without delays or losses. The logistics now work for us,” said Mr Tawanda Mupasiri, a farmer in Mvurwi, Mashonaland Central province.
Protecting livestock, securing food
While above-average rainfall has boosted crop prospects this season, it has also increased the risk of tick-borne diseases such as theileriosis, commonly known as the January disease.
Prof Jiri, however, said the Government has intensified livestock protection measures, including distributing dipping chemicals across more than 4 000 dip tanks and rehabilitating infrastructure.
“Increased rains meant more ticks and higher losses. Commercial, A1 and A2 farmers are also using spray races to control infestations,” he said.
Mr Mandla Ndlovu, a cattle farmer in Tsholotsho, Matabeleland North province, said the interventions are helping farmers respond more effectively.
“I lost three cattle this January, but with Government support, we are better prepared than before,” he said.
Unlocking potential
The Presidential Production Booster Kit Programme is also transforming production among A1 farmers by providing irrigation equipment such as sprinklers, pipes, risers and hydrants to support one hectare per beneficiary.
Flexible repayment arrangements aim to ensure accessibility for farmers with limited capital.
“I now farm year-round. Even when rains fail, I know my crops will survive. This kit is life-changing,” said Maybe Mapira, an A1 farmer in Mazowe.
The initiative is complemented by the issuance of title deeds, which provide farmers with legally recognised tenure and allow land to be used as collateral for financing. The documents are being issued under the Presidential Title Deeds Programme.
“Land reform gave us land. Tenure gives us security. Irrigation gives us power. For the first time, we are farming with dignity,” said Mr Petros Mhembere, a farmer in Mashonaland Central.
At Craigengower Farm in Mazowe, one of the first farms to receive tenure documentation, farmers say the impact has been immediate.
“Before, we relied entirely on rainfall. Now, with irrigation, AI monitoring and improved logistics, I can plan my harvest and sell without loss,” said Mr Tatenda Chiromudzimu.
For Ms Ester Makwara, a widow, the programme has provided both economic stability and independence.
“This programme restored my dignity. I can supply markets, pay school fees and feed my family, rain or shine,” she said.
Constraint
High input costs remain a challenge for farmers, prompting the Government to prioritise local fertiliser production and organic alternatives.
“By localising fertiliser and improving access to fuel and pesticides, we reduce costs, increase production and secure our food systems,” Prof Jiri said.
Universities are also playing a key role through Education 5.0, developing innovations ranging from alternative food products to disease management tools and irrigation technologies.
“We are working on 26 technologies addressing food security, livestock protection and climate resilience — local solutions for local challenges,” he said.
Youth-led agribusinesses
With more than 62 percent of Zimbabwe’s population under the age of 35, the Government is promoting youth participation through youth business units being established in every rural ward.
These units combine crop production, fisheries and orchards, supported by training, irrigation equipment and digital tools.
“Before, we thought farming was old-fashioned. Now it is a business. We have technology, markets and the skills to succeed,” said Blessing Moyo, a 22-year-old fish farmer in Chiredzi.
Youth-led initiatives are increasingly integrating aggregation, semi-processing and value addition.
“This programme comes with training, service support and bank backing. It is the smartest way to engage young people in agriculture and create livelihoods,” said youth farmer Lloyd Chitate.
Agriculture 5.0 integrates storage infrastructure, irrigation expansion, youth empowerment, mechanisation, livestock protection, local input production and university research into a unified national strategy.
“Secure tenure, modern machinery, AI and youth empowerment are all linked,” Prof Jiri said.
“We are not only feeding Zimbabwe; we are ensuring that agriculture drives economic growth, resilience and rural livelihoods.”
For farmers, the transformation is already visible.
“Now, we have land, water, technology and a plan. This is Zimbabwe farming at its best,” said Mr Chiromudzimu.
Tinaye Agere