Online Reporter
Theseus Mauruki Shambare
ZIMBABWE today joined the rest of the world in commemorating World Rural Development Day, with Government reaffirming its commitment to accelerating rural transformation through improved land administration, rural industrialisation, food security and community-driven development.
The annual observance, established by the United Nations General Assembly and marked every July 6th, shines the spotlight on efforts to eradicate rural poverty, strengthen food systems and improve the livelihoods of people living in rural communities.
This year’s global theme was: “Financing the First Mile of Food Systems.”
Addressing journalists on the national commemorations in Harare, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Lands and Rural Development, Professor Prosper Matondi, said the day provided an opportunity to recognise the central role rural communities play in national development.
“We celebrate it for different reasons,” said Prof Matondi.
“People know this building as a lands building, but we deal with much more than just land. We deal with rural development, and it is the Alpha and Omega of what and who we stand for. Land is just an enabler of development or of transformation and modernisation of society.”
He said the Government viewed rural development as a key pillar in achieving Vision 2030, noting that the majority of Zimbabweans lived in rural areas and should benefit from modern infrastructure, technology and economic opportunities.
“Today rural development is probably more important than land itself. Rural development that is industrial-based and led by the people is what we require and want to do,” he said.
Prof Matondi said the ministry would prioritise community participation in development planning to ensure programmes responded to the needs and aspirations of rural communities.
“Our planning systems will be a lot different. You might not be able to see us in glitzy hotels doing strategic planning sessions,” he said.
“You’ll be seeing this ministry doing planning sessions in the streets and in the villages with everyone. Planning must start with people.”
He also stressed the importance of ensuring that rural communities were not left behind in the adoption of modern technologies.
“Rural areas should not be left out of technology, innovation and the skills and opportunities around what that provides. Artificial intelligence is part of it.”
Prof Matondi said the Government would continue working with stakeholders to strengthen agricultural value chains, promote rural industrialisation and improve access to markets, finance and productive land, in line with the country’s broader rural development agenda.
He said the ministry was committed to ensuring that “no one and no place is left behind” as Zimbabwe pursues inclusive economic growth and sustainable rural development.
