Online Reporter
Theseus Mauruki Shambare
Herald Correspondent
SOUTHERN African countries are intensifying efforts to harmonise fertiliser regulations and improve access to affordable agricultural inputs as the region moves to strengthen food security and agricultural productivity amid growing climate and economic pressures.
The issue is expected to dominate deliberations at the high-level Southern African Development Community (Sadc) Ministerial Meeting to be held in Victoria Falls this week, where ministers, policymakers and agricultural experts are reviewing regional food systems and production outlooks.
The high-level meeting will be running under the theme: “Promoting Innovation to Unlock Opportunities for Sustainable Economic Growth and Development towards an Industrialised Sadc”.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development Professor Obert Jiri said Sadc member states are accelerating implementation of the Harmonised Fertiliser Regulatory Framework to improve fertiliser quality, availability and cross-border trade efficiency.
“The Harmonised Fertiliser Regulatory Framework has been adopted at the regional level and aligns national standards to improve quality assurance and accessibility,” said Prof Jiri.
“These reforms will reduce input costs, expand farmer choice and improve productivity through regional integration.”
He said the reforms are designed to remove regulatory bottlenecks that have historically limited efficient fertiliser trade within the region.
Agricultural experts say fragmented regulations, inconsistent standards and lengthy approval systems have contributed to high input costs and supply challenges for farmers across Southern Africa.
The harmonised framework is expected to streamline registration systems, improve quality control and facilitate smoother movement of fertiliser products across borders.
For farmers, the reforms could translate into improved availability of inputs, reduced costs and enhanced agricultural productivity.
Prof Jiri said harmonisation of agricultural input systems is critical to improving regional resilience and supporting farmers facing increasing climate variability.
“Zimbabwe is also advocating for regional cooperation on seed systems, fertiliser regulations and agricultural markets within Sadc,” he said.
“Harmonised seed systems will allow farmers to access improved varieties across borders, while fertiliser reforms will improve affordability and distribution efficiency.”
The fertiliser reforms come at a time when rising global input prices continue to place pressure on farming systems across the region.
Southern Africa has in recent years experienced supply disruptions linked to global economic instability, geopolitical tensions and climate-related shocks, affecting fertiliser affordability and timely distribution.
Analysts say improved regional coordination could help stabilise supplies while promoting local production and regional value chains.
Zimbabwe is among the countries pushing for stronger regional integration in agriculture as part of broader food systems transformation efforts.
The regional fertiliser reforms are being implemented alongside broader initiatives targeting harmonised seed systems, climate-smart agriculture and improved agricultural markets.
SADC is also prioritising increased cooperation on strategic grain reserves, irrigation development and agricultural financing.
The region is emerging from the devastating effects of the 2024 El Niño-induced drought, which significantly reduced crop output and deepened food insecurity across several countries.
Although Zimbabwe has recorded a strong agricultural rebound this season, authorities say long-term resilience will depend on sustained investment in irrigation, quality inputs and climate adaptation systems.
Prof Jiri said the Victoria Falls meeting is expected to deliver practical outcomes that directly benefit farmers across the region.
“In summary, the meeting is expected to produce binding regional commitments, investment mobilisation and operational systems that translate into lower input costs, higher productivity, stable markets and improved livelihoods for ordinary farmers across Zimbabwe and the Sadc region,” he said.
As climate uncertainty and food security pressures intensify, Prof Jiri said, Sadc countries were increasingly viewing regional input reforms as essential to building resilient and commercially viable agricultural systems.
