Youth at the Helm: Zimbabwe Takes The Leap to Modernise Its Agriculture Sector

By Regina Pasipanodya

For years, Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector has barely moved beyond subsistence farming and synergies that hark back to the days of colonialism. Nationally, 72 tractors and 10 combine harvesters, worth an estimated $3.7 million, have been transferred to young farmers via the Youth Empowerment Programme.

The project will convert 7,700 hectares to productive fields with an annual output of an estimated 77,000 metric tonnes of grain.

The bold incentive reinforces the government’s belief that youth will be the engine of agricultural innovation and economic growth.

At the handover ceremony held in Harare recently to mark the occasion, Dr A.J. Masuka, Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, highlighted the transformative role that this initiative will play.

“These tractors and combine harvesters are more than just machines, they are enablers of a future of farming and a way to foster innovation and sustainable agriculture,” he said.

The program emphasises the necessity of accountability and business-mindedness of the youth.

Tinoda Machakaire, Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training in Zimbabwe explained that the equipment is not given free but is going to the youth covering 50% of the costs and the Youth Empowerment Bank covering the balance of of 50% as part of a co-financing model.

“This also ensures that young farmers take agriculture as a business, a culture of responsibility and long term sustainability,” Hon Machakaire said.

Addressing the handover ceremony, Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Vangelis Haritatos said the immediate benefits that will flow from the fruits of this initiative were beyond the economic advantages, this spirit was also a clear example of the government’s vision to create more employment opportunities and improve food security.

Those young farmers are up to the task, it seems, as the programme sets out to increase agricultural productivity in the country, which aims to produce more than $26m of grain a year by giving young farmers more modern tools with which to work.

This meshes with President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 for a prosperous upper-middle-income society.

Hon. Haritatos added that “by placing a strong emphasis on youth empowerment, the government is cultivating a new breed of changemakers who are not just the leaders of tomorrow but are also actively shaping Zimbabwe’s present.”

With the youth taking this opportunity for agriculture very seriously, it is anticipated that the effects of this engagement can be passed on to other sectors through the involvement of this generation.

The programme will drive innovation, bolster rural economies, and establish a production legacy that will benefit generations to come. It sends a message loud and clear that Zimbabwe’s youth do not just serve as beneficiaries but as people who must be central in Zimbabwe’s development.”

This is a major milestone in Zimbabwe’s journey towards agricultural modernisation which is a beacon of how foresighted governance coupled with smart investment can bring out the best in our young people, grow our economy, and ensure our future prosperity.