BY NALEDI DUBE
More than 350 smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe are set to tap into global markets through a new initiative linking irrigation schemes with buyers, financiers, and technology providers, thanks to support from the Government of Zimbabwe, the Green Climate Fund (GCF), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The programme, part of the seven-year Climate Resilience Livelihoods (CRL) project, aims to help farmers in Manicaland, Masvingo, and Matabeleland South strengthen climate resilience, expand market opportunities, and boost incomes through irrigation-based farming.
“These dialogues are a vital step in connecting smallholder irrigation farmers with private sector buyers, financial institutions, and input suppliers,” said Rungano Benza, CRL Project Manager. “By linking production with profitable markets, we are ensuring that farmers can sustainably increase yields, incomes, and resilience.”
Speaking during the two-day farmer learning visit at Pikinini Jawanda Irrigation Scheme in Mwenezi District, Dr. Nelson Chanza, Climate and Smart Agriculture Expert for the CRL project, encouraged farmers to change their mindset and start viewing agriculture as a business.
“As farmers, you should take farming as a business. As GCF, we are here to link farmers with buyers, seed companies, and banks so that your ventures grow. Market linkages are key to ensuring sustainability,” he said.
Dr. Chanza further stressed the importance of aligning production with demand.
“Farmers should have the knowledge to know their market before planting — what we call market-based production. This is the only way to avoid losses and guarantee profitability,” he explained.
He also underscored the need for resilience in a changing climate.
“A farmer must be resilient even through climate change, but at the same time commercialize. Farming must move from subsistence to business if it is to transform lives,” added Dr. Chanza.
The event drew farmers from Pikinini Jawanda, Chizumba, Pindamombe, Bwanya, Zvinyaningwe, Nyahombe, and Gororo irrigation schemes, who exchanged knowledge, learned about climate-smart practices, and explored opportunities for partnerships with the private sector.
On the sidelines of the event, Pikinini Jawanda Irrigation Chairperson, Mr. Chizivano Shava, highlighted the life-changing impact of the initiative.
“Three hundred households are benefitting from this project. Our livelihoods have changed, and the market trainings have helped us to know where to sell our produce. We are grateful for the support we are receiving from the Government, GCF, and UNDP, which has transformed our community,” he said.
The programme combines farmer-to-business dialogues, contract farming opportunities, and demonstrations of technologies such as solar-powered irrigation, drip systems, and soil conservation. It also prioritises gender equity, ensuring that women farmers are empowered to benefit from new markets.
By strengthening linkages with buyers and financial institutions, the initiative supports Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 and National Development Strategy 1 by building resilient livelihoods, enhancing food security, and fostering inclusive economic growth