KEY POINTS
- Mnangagwa urges farmers to learn from regional best practices.
- Securing household needs strengthens national food security.
- Investments in irrigation mitigate climate change effects on farming.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has encouraged Zimbabwean farmers to compare their agricultural practices with the best in the region to improve productivity.
Speaking from his residence on Christmas Day, the President emphasized the importance of continually seeking innovative farming methods. He cited his own Precabe Farm in Kwekwe as an example, where benchmarking practices have led to increased output.
“I always tell my brother Patrick, who runs the farm, to learn from others. If someone is producing better, find out how they’re doing it and adopt their techniques,” Mnangagwa said.
Communal farmers as the backbone of food security
Mnangagwa highlighted communal farmers’ critical role in achieving household and national food security.
According to ZBC News, he explained that food security begins with households taking responsibility for their needs, creating a strong foundation for the country.
“When we talk about food security, it starts at the household level. Once households secure their food needs, the nation becomes food secure. Our people are hardworking, and with sufficient rainfall, they can meet their needs,” he said.
Irrigation and climate adaptation efforts intensify
The effects of climate change have posed significant challenges to farming in Zimbabwe and the broader Southern African region.
To combat this, Mnangagwa’s government has prioritized irrigation development. This year, the country hosted its first-ever irrigation investment conference, which resulted in $223 million worth of deals to harness Zimbabwe’s vast fertile land and dam infrastructure.
The President stressed the importance of irrigation as a sustainable solution, especially in times of inconsistent rainfall. “Irrigation ensures that our farmers can produce regardless of changing weather patterns, which are beyond our control,” he noted.
