Online Reporter
Sikhulekelani Moyo, [email protected]
Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector is undergoing a significant transformation, with a strong focus on empowering women in horticulture.
The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting gender equality in the sector. Speaking at the Horticultural Development Council’s Women Business Conference, Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri, represented by acting Chief Director of Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS), Mr Leonard Munamati, underscored the importance of women’s participation in agriculture.
Mr Munamati highlighted that the conference provides a valuable platform for women in agriculture to connect, learn, and grow, tackling the historical marginalisation of women in Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector.
Women make up around 70 percent of the labour force in rural areas but often face barriers such as limited access to resources, credit, and decision-making opportunities.
New Agricultural Policies to Empower Women
To address these challenges, the ministry is formulating new policies aimed at ensuring women have equal access to land ownership and secure tenure rights, agricultural finance and credit, extension services, market linkages, and climate-smart, environmentally sustainable technologies.
“These initiatives align well with key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on poverty reduction, eradicating hunger, and promoting gender equality,” said Mr Munamati.
With women playing a crucial role in Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector, these policy changes are set to drive economic growth, enhance food security, and create more opportunities for women in farming.
