Online Reporter
Lonster Mutata
Herald Correspondent
Zimbabwe is taking bold steps to safeguard its agriculture against climate shocks with the launch of the US$9,4 million Resilient Agriculture Cluster Project (RACP), a pioneering initiative supported by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and IFAD.
The project, which focuses on irrigation rehabilitation, climate-smart farming and rural value-chain expansion, aims to transform the nation’s food systems while protecting vulnerable farming communities from floods, droughts and other climate risks.
Speaking at the RACP stakeholder validation and technical design workshop in Bulawayo yesterday, Chief Director for Business Markets and Trade, Mr Clement Taderera Bwenje, said the project will bolster the country’s climate adaptation agenda, while supporting rural development.
“Irrigation rehabilitation is the surest way to climate-proof our agriculture. RACP will fund value-chain financing, strengthen marketing linkages, and expand Village Business Units to 100 additional wards, ensuring resilient production and rural growth,” he said.
Principal Institutional Capacity Development Officer at AfDB, Mr Marcel Maglo, praised Zimbabwe for securing the grant and highlighted the urgency of climate action in Africa.
“Climate change is a multiplier of fragility, disproportionately affecting low-income populations, children, the elderly and farming communities.
“Our partnership with Zimbabwe is crucial to strengthen adaptive capacity and protect livelihoods,” he said, noting that the project complements the ongoing IFAD-funded Smallholder Agriculture Cluster Project (SACAP).
IFAD climate and environment specialist, Ms Zira Mavunganidze, added that RACP will expand crop and livestock insurance, promote climate-smart agricultural practices, and strengthen weather observation networks to provide farmers with accurate climate information.
“The project will improve water access and harvesting, and support land management to protect critical water systems, ensuring farmers can adapt effectively to changing climate conditions,” she said.
The two-day workshop, which follows consultations in Harare, will include field visits to SACAP sites in Kwekwe and Mutoko.
The appraisal of the project will culminate in a Board presentation in March 2026, with stakeholders invited to actively shape its design.
Officials say RACP represents a strategic step in aligning Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector with climate adaptation priorities, while accelerating rural development and economic resilience.
