Rural futures in focus: Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe was once called the breadbasket of Africa, but its agricultural standing has taken a severe hit in recent decades amid economic shocks, climate change and poverty. How can small-scale farmers help ensure it has a thriving future?

We caught up with IFAD's Country Director for Zimbabwe, Francesco Rispoli, about current challenges and opportunities.

What are the unique challenges that rural people face in Zimbabwe?

Climate change is the foremost challenge for rural Zimbabweans. Agriculture here is almost entirely reliant on rainfall, with few irrigation systems. Essentially, if the rains don't come, farmers lose their crops – and with ever more frequent droughts, this is becoming a reality for many rural communities.

Unsurprisingly, Zimbabwe's poorest rural regions are the worst affected. Just this year, the effects of El Niño left the south of the country bone-dry midway through the growing season. With maize fields devastated, an estimated 6 million people will be food insecure by the end of the year.

Compounding the challenge of climate change, rural people face the same obstacles shared by small-scale farmers worldwide. Too many of them lack the resources, knowledge and investment they need to thrive in a changing world.

What are the untapped opportunities in Zimbabwe?

The key to Zimbabwe's agricultural future is investing in small-scale farmers. This begins with ensuring reliable water sources. In the face of climate change, sustainable irrigation infrastructure can safeguard livelihoods, allow businesses to grow and build thriving, food-secure rural communities.

Horticulture presents a great untapped opportunity, with the potential to both ensure food security and build prosperity through accessing markets, including exports. Fruits and vegetables can be grown profitably on small plots of land while creating jobs in processing, transportation and marketing.

Zimbabwe's youthful population is also a major, but undervalued, asset. Nearly two-thirds are under 25, but many rural young people are uninterested in farming. With the right opportunities and support, they can build futures at home and help to drive an agricultural renaissance.

What difference is IFAD making to rural lives in Zimbabwe?

We know that water is the primary concern for rural Zimbabweans. That's why we help rural people manage their water resources sustainably. IFAD-supported projects such as SIRP revitalize existing irrigation schemes and introduce climate proofing, ensuring a lifeline during drought.

We also support small-scale farmers in growing nutritious foods and accessing markets, allowing them to build the foundations of good health while growing their businesses. SACP combines nutrition education with climate-smart agriculture and strengthened value chains to enable rural people to grow and market high-value products.

But the word on everyone's lips these days is pfumvudza. Literally “new spring leaves”, it has come to refer the local style of conservation agriculture. Promoted by SIRP as an evidence-based way of increasing climate resilience, it uses techniques like zero-tillage, mulching and rotational farming to increase yields sustainably.

I was struck by the story of Samson, an IFAD-supported farmer and enthusiastic champion of pfumvudza in eastern Zimbabwe. In addition to using sustainable farming techniques, he switched from maize to a grain that is both traditional and climate-resilient: sorghum.

While other farmers watched their fields wither during the latest drought, Samson’s grains had already flowered, promising a healthy harvest some months later.

Samson’s story gives me hope because it doesn't just prove we have the solutions to Zimbabwe’s agricultural challenges – it proves that farmers are eager to practice them.

What do you wish more people knew about Zimbabwe and its people?

Zimbabwe is an incredibly safe and beautiful country with a rich history. Above all, its rural people are committed to building a better future together. Wherever I’ve travelled I’ve found that Zimbabweans are receptive to new ideas, and eager to learn and cooperate.

While climate change presents a monumental challenge, I am confident that Zimbabwe’s small-scale farmers – especially its rural youth – can overcome it with the right support. A future as a renewed agricultural powerhouse is within reach.