By Staff Writer Harare, 28 July 2025. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has officially launched two important initiatives in Zimbabwe. These projects aim to change how the country manages soil and water. The two projects, Capacity Development on Sustainable Soil Management in the Global South and National Water Roadmap towards 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, will help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through training and cooperation with other countries. At the launch ceremony, Professor Obert Jiri, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, who spoke on behalf of Minister Honourable Dr. Anxious Masuka said, “Water is at the centre of Rural Development 8.0 and today, we launch not just projects, but a collective pledge to food security and universal access to safe, clean, and portable water.” The National Water Roadmap will guide efforts to provide reliable water to 35,000 rural communities and 10,000 institutions across the country. The soil management project will work on improving the country’s abilities in soil mapping, laboratory testing, and regional coordination to enhance soil health and biodiversity. The water governance project will encourage inclusive discussions and collaboration among different sectors, promote fair water allocation, and improve overall water management. FAO Subregional Coordinator Patrice Talla said, “These twin initiatives mark a turning point for Zimbabwe. We are not only improving natural resources management but also empowering farmers and building resilience against climate shocks.” FAO’s ongoing technical support in Zimbabwe has already produced results. Water-saving irrigation techniques have increased cereal yields by up to 25 percent in pilot districts. Soil fertility mapping and conservation agriculture have decreased topsoil loss by 40 percent over more than 200,000 hectares. Regionally, FAO has collaborated with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to align soil testing standards and promote climate-smart land management through the GEF-funded SOIL Care initiative. LiFeng Li, Director of FAO’s Land and Water Division, highlighted the global relevance and innovative nature of the projects, stating that Zimbabwe is the first country to implement them. “These efforts protect valuable soil and water resources for now and the future,” he said. After the launch, a kickoff workshop and a national taskforce will be set up to guide project implementation, supported by a Global Advisory Group. Post navigation Cultivating Wealth in Hwange: How Village Business Units Are Changing Rural Livelihood GMB Strengthens Grain Intake System as Farmers Deliver Harvests