Cultivating a Future: Innovation and Research at the Centre of Zimbabwe’s Agricultural Revival

Editorial Comment By Ilyana Sithole

Zimbabwe’s dream to be an upper-middle-income economy by 2030 and achieve food sovereignty is based on a comprehensive approach which includes the agricultural sector. With 60-70% of its citizens having their earnings generated from agriculture and the sector contributing 60% of raw materials to industry, its restoration is vital. Scientific research as a priority of the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development is therefore not only a welcome move, but a sine qua non of actualizing this lofty vision. Challenging as it may seem, notwithstanding the difficulties, the forward planning of the ministry, coupled with encouraging research efforts, is a cause for guarded optimism.

The ministry’s prioritization of major areas of research – crop and animal improvement, soil conservation, water use, pest and disease management, and farm mechanization – is very clear and reflects consciousness of Zimbabwean multi-faceted agricultural problem. Release of climatic-resistant varieties, better use of water, and emphasis on sustainable integrated approaches to pest management are the imperatives on the basis of more erratic weather patterns anticipated in the future. The ministry’s openness to experimenting with new solutions, like the application of organic fertilizers through the Genesis Fertilizers Global Solutions alliance, or, the application of fortenza duo against pests through the Syngeta partnership, is especially encouraging. The positive outcomes in these pilots, as provided, show a possible direction towards greener and more sustainable farm practices, and merit exploring and extending.

Experimentation on research plots and in the lab alone will not directly apply to national food security at the moment but “a journey of a thousand miles starts with a step”. The ministry has to continue facilitating simple conversion of research into action in the farm. This involves not only strong connections between research institutions such as the University of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Agriculture Research Institute, and Crop Breeding Institute, but a well-funded, high-performing system of agricultural extension agents as extension services.

.These agencies need to be enabled to effectively share information and best practices with farmers nationwide. International collaborations are also needed for accessing global knowledge, advanced technologies, and affordable funding opportunities. In addition, a suitable policy and regulatory environment, complemented with suitable research and development financing, strong intellectual property rights and incentives to stimulate private investment, is required to stimulate a climate of innovation and higher new technology take-up.

The ministry’s appreciation of the significance of capacity building should be appreciated as well. Extension workers, researchers, and producers are trained specifically to provide the skills and information necessary to adopt new technologies and methodologies. Climate-resilient agriculture and integrated pest management are concerns mentioned by ministry officials to reflect a proactive strategy of adapting and mitigating the negative impacts of climate change and pest outbreaks. The emphasis on advance scouting and early treatment, supplemented with the wise application of suitable chemicals, is a practical and viable way of reducing crop losses and increasing yields.

The ministry’s support for the building of strong collaborations is a main strength. Connections between research institutes, private stakeholders such as Genesis Fertilizers, and international players are pivotal in speeding up the rate of advancement and securing the effective passing on of expertise and knowledge. The role played by Africa University in training people in regenerative agriculture, farmers being provided with soil testing knowledge and encouraged into organic farming, is a characteristic example of the strength of the collaborations.

Though the path towards food sovereignty and being an upper-middle-income economy by 2030 is anything but unbroken, the long-term strategy emphasis of the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development on agricultural research coupled with its allegiance to partnership and innovation bodes well for victory. It needs to be espoused and held in high regard as Zimbabwe strives to build its agricultural sector further and pursue its lofty national goal. Constant monitoring, evaluation, and realignment will be required in steering the unavoidable challenges and aligning the country in position. Most importantly, the key contribution of women to agriculture (61% of communal land farmers) has to be openly recognized and actively promoted by targeted intervention policies. Women farmers have to be empowered not for reasons of equity, but because it is essential for food security and agricultural development objectives.