Online Reporter
Theseus Shambare in MATOBO
ZIMBABWE is edging closer to achieving zero hunger through strengthened partnerships, climate-smart agriculture and sustained investment in resilient food systems, international development agencies have said.
Under Government and global commitments to transforming agrifood systems — including the National Agriculture Policy Framework, the Agriculture and Food Systems Transformation Strategy and the UN’s Zero Hunger target — the country is accelerating efforts to ensure food security for all by 2030.
World Food Day, marked annually on October 16, serves as a global call to intensify action toward ending hunger and building sustainable, resilient agrifood systems.
Speaking soon after officially opening the World Food Day commemorations at Matopos Research Institute in Matabeleland South today, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri said Zimbabwe’s food systems transformation was gaining momentum, anchored by climate-proof agriculture and strengthened partnerships already delivering measurable national impact.
“Our pathway to zero hunger is no longer aspirational — it is becoming visible on the ground,” Prof Jiri said.
“Through climate-smart practices, traditional grain expansion and coordinated support from partners like IFAD, ICRISAT and FAO, Zimbabwe is building a resilient food system that can withstand climate shocks and guarantee food for every household.”
IFAD representative Ms Joylyn Ndoro, speaking on behalf of country director Francesco Rispoli, said the country was making “significant, tangible progress” in building resilient rural livelihoods.
“World Food Day is a call to action for all of us to work together to build a future where no one is left behind,” she said, commending Zimbabwe for its reform-driven approach to climate-proofing agriculture and improving rural incomes.
She said IFAD had invested nearly US$400 million in Zimbabwe’s rural development since 1980, supporting smallholder farmers through irrigation rehabilitation, market linkages and climate-smart technologies.
“The impact is visible in schemes such as Silalabuhwa, Makwe, Sebasa and Guyu, where smallholder farmers are now more resilient and productive,” she said.
Ms Ndoro highlighted several ongoing initiatives, including the Smallholder Agriculture Cluster Project and the newly launched US$66.55 million Horticulture Enterprise Enhancement Project, which jointly aim to strengthen value chains, develop market-ready producer groups and expand irrigation by a combined 1 780 hectares.
Together, the projects will directly benefit nearly 150 000 households.
