Zimbabwe Commits to Agricultural Transformation by 2025

By Ilyana Sithole

The agricultural sector in Zimbabwe is gearing up for a transformative year in 2025, with budget alignment emerging as a key factor for success. This was the central theme at the 2025 Ministry Budget Planning workshop held at the Management Training Bureau (MTB). The event brought together key stakeholders to discuss and align strategic priorities that will shape the nation’s agricultural landscape in the coming years.

Professor Dr. Obert Jiri, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the workshop’s significance in steering the country’s agricultural development. “The workshop is important because it allows us to discuss what our strategic focus will be in 2025,” he stated, highlighting the collaborative effort required to enhance agricultural performance.

As the backbone of Zimbabwe’s economy, agriculture plays a crucial role in ensuring food security and fostering rural development. Professor Dr. Jiri commended the commitment shown by the leaders present, urging them to prioritize the sector’s enhancement. “It is vital that we strengthen our agricultural practices to uplift our communities and economy,” he remarked, underscoring the need for a united approach.

During his address, the Permanent Secretary stressed the importance of adhering to budgetary constraints and responsible spending practices. “Money is not spent for the sake of it being available; money should be spent according to plan and directed by the budget,” he cautioned. This statement served as a reminder for participants to allocate financial resources judiciously, ensuring that every dollar spent contributes meaningfully to the Ministry’s goals.

A key focus of the workshop was the alignment of parastatals and state-owned enterprises with the Ministry’s overarching objectives. Professor Dr. Jiri urged attendees to integrate their strategic priorities with the Ministry’s vision, reinforcing the collective responsibility to advance the agricultural sector.

Central to the discussion was the Agriculture Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy (AFSRTS), which Professor Dr. Jiri identified as a crucial framework for 2025. He reiterated that all programs initiated in the upcoming year must adhere to this blueprint to facilitate effective transformation within the sector.

Among the priority areas identified for 2025 are irrigation development, dam construction, crop production, livestock development, and the Rural Development 8.0 initiative, which encompasses eight vital components aimed at revitalizing rural economies.

As Zimbabwe prepares for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, the outcomes of this workshop will play a vital role in steering the agricultural sector toward a more sustainable and prosperous future. With a clear focus on strategic alignment and responsible resource management, the Ministry is poised to tackle the pressing issues facing agriculture in the nation.