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Business Insider
04-08-2025
- Climate
- Business Insider
Zimbabwe plans to turn a climate threat to food security with ambitious dam project
Zimbabwe has announced plans to build 50 new small dams and weirs, as well as upgrade and maintain existing agricultural dams around the nation, in a bid to defend its agricultural produce against climate disasters. Zimbabwe is planning to build 50 new small dams and weirs along with upgrading existing dams to bolster its agriculture against climate disruptions. The initiative is part of a larger program to irrigate 350,000 hectares by 2028 to enhance food security and resilience. Preparations are in place for an expected wetter-than-usual La Niña season in 2025–2026 to efficiently manage water resources. The plan is part of a larger national program to irrigate 350,000 hectares by 2028. The strategy is in preparation for a La Niña season that is predicted to be wetter than usual in 2025–2026. Authorities are acting proactively, focusing on food security and climate resilience in an area that is becoming more vulnerable to unpredictable rainfall patterns and severe weather. La Niña (cooler than normal sea surface temperatures) weather patterns typically bring above-average rainfall to parts of southern Africa, and Zimbabwe intends to turn this potential climate disaster into a strategic advantage. By investing in water harvesting infrastructure, the government hopes to ensure that excess rainfall can be captured and stored efficiently for year-round agricultural use. Comments on the dam project According to Engineer Edwin Zimunga, Chief Director of Agricultural Engineering, Mechanization, Farm Infrastructure Development, and Soil Conservation at the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, the threat of climate variability necessitates both large-scale infrastructure commitment and conservation. 'The face of climate change really requires that conservation, especially of our biodiversity and natural resources, happens at a much bigger scale. Soil conservation remains a strategic pillar of agricultural production,' he said. 'The best time to start a Pfumvudza plot, to build contours, or to construct field drainages is now. In the old days, we pegged and built contours before the rains to channel and retain water; that has not changed. Only now we are doing it at a greater level because the rains are more erratic and the erosion more severe,' he added. In light of last season's events involving minor farm dam breaches that resulted in fatalities, as reported by The Herald, Eng Zimunga issued a warning that inadequate dam maintenance might have catastrophic repercussions.
Zawya
28-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
New fisheries and aquaculture bill set to streamline Zimbabwe's seafood industry
The government of Zimbabwe has concluded public consultations on a new bill seeking to streamline the regulation and management of the Southern African nation's fisheries, as well as standardizing fish production and handling procedures in its aquaculture operations. The Zimbabwean Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill – which is being promoted by the country's Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development – proposes placing regulatory powers for fisheries and aquaculture solely under the ministry's Fisheries and Aquaculture Resources Production Department, as opposed to the current arrangement where several agencies oversee the country's fishing activities. Consolidating fisheries and aquaculture management under a single department 'will promote clarity, reduce bureaucracy, and enhance our ability to manage these critical resources sustainably,' Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Director Milton Makumbe said. Makumbe further explained that the bill seeks to address regulatory overlaps, such as several fee categories levied by different agencies, through the promulgation of 'a single, coherent legal framework.' 'The bill will provide a sound and enabling legal framework, anchored on global best practices, to attract investors and promote long-term investments,' he said. With the conclusion of public participation on the bill, Zimbabwean Parliament's Committee on Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries, and Rural Resettlement is expected to fine tune the document before handing it over to both Houses of Parliament for scrutiny and debate before a member vote. If the bill gets parliament's nod of approval, it is expected to be passed into an Act of Parliament by Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa. 'We see such bills as essential elements for the transformation of the fisheries and aquaculture sector, and to link it to the recent … blue economy drive, it's a gamechanger,' Blessing Mapfumo, the executive officer of the African Chapter of the World Aquaculture Society told SeafoodSource. Zimbabwe has received criticism in the past for its unorganized fishing regulations, which have caused overfishing of tilapia, bream, catfish, and more in Lake Kariba. To alleviate the issue, Zimbabwe and neighboring Zambia have been called upon to harmonize their respective policies on managing the lake's fishery in a similar fashion as the new bill is aiming to achieve. © Copyright The Zimbabwean. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
15-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
New FAO project to boost agriculture trade between Zimbabwe and Mozambique
HARARE: In a move poised to strengthen agricultural trade and empower farmers, the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) is funding a EUR 3.5 million, Zimbabwe Mozambique Agricultural Value Chain and Trade Development Project (Zim-Moza ATDP), Zimbabwe will receive EUR 1.166 million of the total budget. In Zimbabwe, the Zim-Moza ATDP is implemented by FAO in close collaboration with the Department of Economics, Markets, and International Trade under the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development (MLAFWRD) and other key stakeholders across the agricultural production and trade sectors. The project's core mission is to accelerate the agrifood transformation process within and between Zimbabwe and Mozambique. By focusing on strengthening agriculture value chains, the Zim-Moza ATDP seeks to create opportunities for farmers and other players in the agriculture sector to actively participate in global value chains. Speaking at the project inception meeting in Harare, the FAO Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa and FAO Representative in Zimbabwe, Patrice Talla, emphasized the transformative potential of the project. 'The Zim-Moza ATDP is a crucial step towards unlocking the immense potential of the agricultural sector in both Zimbabwe and Mozambique. By empowering smallholder farmers and fostering collaboration between public and private sector actors, we can create a more resilient and inclusive agricultural landscape.' The project will focus on assisting value chain actors, in both the public and private sectors, in implementing sound and favorable trade policies. This support will enable economic agents to capitalize on the concrete advantages offered by bilateral, regional, and international trade facilitating frameworks, particularly at a time when regional integration is gaining momentum across the African continent. 'This project is incredibly timely,' stated Obert Jiri the Permanent Secretary, in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, in a speech read on his behalf by Gamuchirai Kapembeza. 'The project is a key enabler in accelerating agrifood transformation processes in and between the two countries. In addition, this project aligns seamlessly with Zimbabwe's Agriculture and Food Systems Transformation Strategy as well as the National Development Strategies (NDS1 & NDS2), which prioritize productivity growth, value chain development and sustainable farming practices,' added Obert Jiri. The specific interventions under the Zim-Moza ATDP are expected to include: Capacity Building: Providing training and technical assistance to farmers, traders, and other stakeholders in the agricultural value chain to improve production techniques, post-harvest management, and marketing strategies. Market Access: Facilitating access to domestic and international markets through improved infrastructure, market information systems, and trade promotion activities. Policy Support: Supporting the development and implementation of trade-friendly policies that create a level playing field for all actors in the agricultural sector. Value Chain Development: Strengthening specific value chains, such as horticulture, livestock, and grains, by addressing bottlenecks and promoting innovation. FAO expressed its commitment to working closely with the Government of Zimbabwe, the Government of Mozambique, and the AICS to ensure the successful implementation of the Zim-Moza ATDP. 'FAO remains dedicated to supporting Zimbabwe and Mozambique by improving agriculture value chains and trade to ensure healthy nations free of hunger and malnutrition,' said Patrice Talla. The Zim-Moza ATDP marks a significant step forward in promoting regional agricultural development and trade. It is a testament to the commitment of Zimbabwe, Mozambique, the FAO, and the AICS to working together to achieve sustainable and inclusive agricultural growth. This project hopes to become a model for future collaborative efforts across the African continent. © Copyright The Zimbabwean. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Staff Reporter
