Online Reporter
Business Reporter
THE Zimpapers Public Lecture Series on Smart Harvest kicked off in Harare this morning, with policymakers, agribusiness leaders, financial institutions and development partners deliberating on how climate-smart agriculture can strengthen Zimbabwe’s food security.
Running under the theme “Smart Harvest, Resilient Nation: Agriculture as Zimbabwe’s Climate and Economic Shield,” the event intends to examine practical strategies to improve agricultural productivity, enhance climate adaptation and position the sector as a key driver of sustainable economic development.
Welcoming delegates, Zimpapers chief executive officer Mr William Chikoto said agriculture had become far more than a productive sector, evolving into a cornerstone of national resilience.
“Today, we are looking at smart harvesting as we build a resilient nation, with agriculture serving as Zimbabwe’s climate and economic shield.
“This discussion comes at a time when agriculture has become more than just a sector of our economy. It has become a national resilience strategy, a climate adaptation tool, a source of livelihoods and ultimately a pillar of Zimbabwe’s food security and economic growth,” Mr Chikoto said.
He said strengthening climate-smart agriculture through innovation, improved farming practices and technology adoption will be critical in safeguarding livelihoods while supporting Zimbabwe’s economic transformation.
Setting the tone for the discussions, Zimpapers Business Hub editor Mr Kudzanai Sharara indicated that the public lecture is aimed at generating practical solutions to the challenges confronting farmers and the broader agricultural sector.
“‘Smart Harvest, Resilient Nation: Agriculture as Zimbabwe’s Climate and Economic Shield’ is not just a slogan but a survival imperative,” Mr Sharara said.
He said the lecture is focusing on strategy rather than fear, with participants expected to deliberate on practical interventions that can improve resilience across agricultural value chains.
“Right now, our farmers are looking at the sky with more challenges to overcome. They are looking with anxiety.
“Today is not about fear; it is about strategy and planning. Over the next few hours, we will deliberate, diagnose challenges and move into action,” Mr Sharara said.
The lecture is expected to discuss policy interventions, financing mechanisms, technological innovation and climate-smart farming practices aimed at boosting agricultural output, strengthening food security and enhancing the sector’s contribution to Zimbabwe’s economic growth.
