Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya
Beitbridge Bureau
GOVERNMENT, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme, is working on a new initiative linking irrigation schemes with private sector buyers, financiers and technology providers that is set to benefit at least 350 smallholder farmers nationwide.
The programme is supported by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and UNDP covering projects in Manicaland, Masvingo and Matabeleland South where the farmers are being assisted to expand beyond local trade, boost incomes and build climate resilience.
It is understood that the initiative is part of the seven-year Climate Resilience Livelihoods (CRL) project, which supports over 2.3 million people to adapt to climate change.
With irrigation as a cornerstone of climate-smart agriculture, the programme features private sector dialogues and farmer learning days to strengthen market linkages, showcase innovative technologies, and promote sustainable practices.
The CRL project manager Mr Rungano Benza said the dialogues were a vital step in connecting smallholder irrigation farmers with private sector buyers, financial institutions and input suppliers.
“By linking production with profitable markets, we are ensuring that farmers can sustainably increase yields, incomes, and resilience,” he said.
“The programme combines business-to-farmer dialogues, where buyers and financiers share opportunities for contract farming and value chain integration, with look-and-learn field days showcasing technologies such as solar-powered irrigation, drip systems, and soil and water conservation practices”.
Mr Benza said the programme also embraced issues of gender equity and ensured women were empowered to benefit from new market opportunities.
The participants were expected across the three provinces, including irrigation management committees, local leaders, extension officers, and private sector partners ranging from insurers, banks, and microfinance institutions to input suppliers, off-takers, transporters, and climate-smart technology companies.
The UNDP Zimbabwe office said the initiative was set to deliver wide-ranging benefits for farming communities.
“By strengthening links with buyers, financiers, and technology providers, smallholder farmers will gain access to profitable markets, improve their irrigation practices, and adopt climate-smart technologies. This will boost yields, increase incomes, and enhance food and water security while ensuring women farmers are fully included in new opportunities,” said the organisation.
It stressed that beyond the farms, the programme would foster stronger value chain integration, create jobs and establish long-term business partnerships that contributed to resilient livelihoods and inclusive economic growth.
The UNDP Zimbabwe added that the initiative directly supported the country’s Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) through strengthening agricultural productivity, building resilient livelihoods, and fostering inclusive growth.
In addition, it also advances progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on food security, gender equality, and climate action.
“By promoting sustainable irrigation, forging long-term business partnerships, and enhancing value chain integration, the programme underscores UNDP’s commitment to advancing climate-resilient development and ensuring that no one is left behind,” said the UNDP Zimbabwe.
