By Virginia Njovo
Over 350 smallholder farmers in Masvingo, Manicaland, and Matabeleland South are set to access global markets through an initiative linking irrigation schemes with private sector buyers, financiers, and technology providers, sharing opportunities for contract farming and value chain integration.
Supported by the Government of Zimbabwe through the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, the Green Climate Fund (GCF), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the ongoing programme aims to open doors for farmers to expand beyond local trade, boost incomes, and build climate resilience.
Climate Resilience Livelihoods (CRL) project manager Rungano Benza told TellZim News that the ongoing dialogue between the private sector on the global stage and smallholder farmers would benefit farmers in improving their livelihoods.
“These dialogues are a vital step in connecting smallholder irrigation farmers with private sector buyers, financial institutions, and input suppliers. By linking production with profitable markets, we are ensuring that farmers can sustainably increase yields, incomes, and resilience.
“More than 350 participants are expected across the three provinces, including irrigation management committees, local leaders, extension officers, and private sector partners ranging from insurers, banks, and microfinance institutions to input suppliers, off-takers, transporters, and climate-smart technology companies,” said Benza.
In a press statement released recently, UNDP said the initiative also aims to deliver benefits to both parties.
“By strengthening links with buyers, financiers, and technology providers, smallholder farmers will gain access to profitable markets, improve their irrigation practices, and adopt climate-smart technologies.
“This will boost yields, increase incomes, and enhance food and water security while ensuring women farmers are fully included in new opportunities. Beyond the farms, the programme will foster stronger value chain integration, create jobs, and establish long-term business partnerships that contribute to resilient livelihoods and inclusive economic growth,” reads part of the statement.
UNDP supported farmers in Zvinyaningwe Irrigation Scheme in Masvingo Rural and Pikinini Jamwanda in Mwenezi, among other schemes under the Building Climate Resilience of Vulnerable Agricultural Livelihoods in Southern Zimbabwe Programme.
In July this year, farmers in Masvingo District gathered at Makoholi Research Institute, where they networked with private sector players in the province, who are believed to be crucial in breaking marketing barriers.
