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 16 October, 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 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.
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.
She said under the IFAD13 financing cycle, Zimbabwe would receive US$35 million to scale up climate-smart agriculture, youth agripreneurship and nutrition-sensitive food systems.
“Together, we can transform Zimbabwe’s rural economy and secure sustainable livelihoods,” she said.
ICRISAT country representative Dr Martin Moyo said global challenges such as climate change demanded intensified collaboration to end hunger.
“The theme Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future truly captures the spirit of partnership that drives our work,” he said.
Dr Moyo said ICRISAT was supporting the Government by developing drought-tolerant and nutrient-rich crop varieties suited for semi-arid regions.
Breakthroughs include Zimbabwe’s first hybrid pearl millet and sorghum varieties, with more biofortified lines being finalised.
“This is science in action — delivering tangible benefits for farmers,” he said.
He added that traditional grains, backed by research, innovation and market reconfiguration, remained central to climate-proofing agriculture in dry regions.
“The path to zero hunger is paved with partnership, innovation and a collective commitment to act now. Working hand in hand, we can secure a better food future for every Zimbabwean,” Dr Moyo said.
FAO Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa Dr Patrice Talla said the commemorations reaffirm the urgency of collective action.
“World Food Day reminds us that food security is not an abstract goal — it is a daily responsibility,” he said.
“Through stronger partnerships, evidence-based planning and climate-smart investment, countries like Zimbabwe can accelerate the journey toward zero hunger while strengthening resilience for generations to come.”
