dyton mupawaenda
Theseus Shambare
Zimbabwe is prioritising the empowerment of women and youths as essential components of its agricultural transformation agenda, aiming to restore the country’s status as the breadbasket of Southern Africa.
The commitment was made at the inaugural Raregold Agricultural Excellence Expo 2025, where the Permanent Secretary for Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development Professor Obert Jiri addressed a diverse audience of agricultural stakeholders.
Prof Jiri said women and youths were crucial for the future success of the agricultural sector.
“At a crossroads, our agricultural sector faces climate change and unpredictable weather patterns, including droughts and floods that disrupt production,” he said.
In response, the Government is focusing on the active involvement of young people and the empowerment of women.
“Their energy, creativity and willingness to embrace technology can drive substantial change in our agricultural practices,” he said.
The agricultural sector is foundational to Zimbabwe’s economy, sustaining over 60 percent of the population and contributing significantly to the national Gross Domestic Product.
However, it is also vulnerable to challenges such as climate change, financial constraints and infrastructural limitations.
Prof Jiri highlighted that Government efforts were aligned with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in areas such as poverty reduction, food security and sustainable land use.
A cornerstone of this strategy is the Agric4She initiative, championed by First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa.
The programme seeks to enhance women’s participation in agriculture through various projects, including Poultry4She, Banana4She, Irrigation4She, and Pfumvudza4She.
Such initiatives provide women with the tools, knowledge, and resources necessary to thrive as farmers and leaders.
During the expo, Mrs Sarudzayi Mboweni, a host farmer, spoke about the importance of women’s empowerment.
She urged women to shed dependency mind-sets, sharing her belief that anyone can succeed in agriculture.
“If my 80-year-old mother-in-law can thrive using the Government’s climate-smart Pfumvudza/ Intwasa concept, what about the rest of us?” she remarked.
Mrs Mboweni practices sustainable agriculture at her farm, combining native tree production with modern horticulture and livestock.
Ms Zororo Taruvinga, a young entrepreneur and beneficiary of the Government’s Women Development Fund, showcased her company, Zororo NeMugoti.
She highlighted how farmers can use indigenous fruits, vegetables, and grains while maximising profits through value addition.
“I was pained to see tomatoes being thrown away after going bad, so I developed ways to preserve this produce for a longer shelf life,” she explained.
Her company has grown from a micro to a small enterprise, leveraging digital platforms to reach wider audiences and reduce post-harvest losses.
The expo successfully fostered vital connections and knowledge-sharing among stakeholders.
From climate-smart agriculture seminars to market linkages, the event showcased the sector’s potential for growth and resilience.
Zimbabwe’s focus on empowering women and youth in agriculture is vital for building a sustainable agricultural sector.
By aligning these efforts with national goals and global sustainability initiatives, Zimbabwe can strengthen its agricultural identity and ensure food security for future generations.
The commitment to engage these key players marks a significant step toward revitalising the country’s agricultural landscape.
Online Reporter