FARMERS in Matabeleland South have stepped up the shift from maize farming to drought-resistant small grains such as sorghum, millet and rapoko for food security in the drought-prone province.
This was revealed by Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution minister Albert Nguluvhe during the World Food Day celebrations held at the Matopo Research Institute last week.
Since 1987, Matabeleland South has had several drought-affected years, which resulted in households struggling to have three meals a day due to crop failure.
In his welcome address, Nguluvhe said the province was at the forefront of the Presidential Rural Development programme.
“We are aggressively pursuing water infrastructure development. The drilling and sinking of boreholes at our village business units, schools business units and youth business units are well underway,” he said.
“This is not just about providing water; it is about establishing one hectare solar-enabled drip irrigation that is becoming the bedrock of our rural economy, ensuring year-round production of nutritious food.”
Nguluvhe said Matabeleland South farmers were key beneficiaries of the presidential climate-proof input scheme.
“Our farmers have embraced agro-ecological tolerant crops. We have seen improved uptake of drought-tolerant crops such as sorghum and millet, which are not only securing houses, but also improving our diet and nutrition,” he
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said.
Nguluvhe said the province’s livestock sector was being revitalised and through the presidential house tick management scheme, they were protecting the national head from devastating disease.
“Furthermore, the presidential goat and poultry scheme is empowering households, especially women and youth, providing them with a source of protein and income,” Nguluvhe said.
“These small livestock incentives are powerful tools of climate-proofing households and improving nutrition security. We are embracing the new paradigm of agriculture as business.
“The transformation of our extension workers to agricultural business advisors is changing the mindset. Our farmers are no longer producing for subsistence; they are producing for the market.”
International Crop Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics principal scientist (farming and systems analysis) country representative (Zimbabwe) Cluster Leader Climate Adaptation and Mitigation Sciences Martin Philani Moyo said the institute’s roles are aligned with the Agriculture ministry to increase production, income and improve livelihoods.
He called for an increase in production of small grains, adding that the path to zero hunger was paved with partnership, innovation and a collective commitment to act.
Meanwhile, WFP country representative and director Barbara Clemens said the world produced enough food to feed every single person on the planet, although hunger persisted.
“Once hailed as the breadbasket, Zimbabwe fed its people and its neighbouring countries. In fact, WFP once used Zimbabwe as a regional procurement hub, sourcing food here to support operations across southern Africa,” she said.
Clemens said people should understand the four dimensions of food security and contribute collectively to ensure enough food is produced and is affordable to people.
“At WFP, our mission is clear: to ensure that no one goes to bed hungry. In Zimbabwe, this commitment translates to action every single day,” she said.
“Over the past year, WFP has supported nearly one million people through lean season assistance, provided cash transfers to empower families with choice and distributed thousands of metric tonnes of food to those most in need.”
Clemens said WFP was also investing in resilience, helping communities to adapt to climate shocks, supporting smallholder farmers to access markets, and strengthening national systems so that social protection reaches those who need it most.
