Rutendo Mazhindu – Zim Now Reporter
More than 71,000 rural households in Zimbabwe are set to benefit from the US $65.5 million Horticulture Enterprise Enhancement Project, a landmark initiative launched in 2023 and running through 2031. The project aims to uplift smallholder farmers, boost food security, and stimulate horticultural exports.
HEEP is co-financed by the Government of Zimbabwe, the International Fund for Agricultural Development, and the OPEC Fund for International Development. It seeks to establish a vibrant, commercially viable horticulture industry aligned with the government’s Agriculture Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy, as well as the Horticulture Recovery and Growth Plan.
The Agricultural and Rural Development Authority spearheading HEEP’s implementation, utilizing its irrigation infrastructure to anchor Village Horticulture Gardens across the country.
According to the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, the project will establish 620 community gardens in 20 districts, benefitting 31,000 poor households. Each province will host 155 VHGs, most of which will be located near ARDA-managed irrigation schemes.
An additional 20,000 farmers in high-potential areas of Mashonaland and Manicaland will benefit through the Public-Private-Producer Partnership (4P) model, which links smallholders to anchor firms and off-takers to strengthen value chain integration.
“The programme is more than just an agricultural intervention—it is a lifeline for our rural economy,” said Professor Obert Jiri, Permanent Secretary for Agriculture. “It is aligned with Vision 2030 and will help position Zimbabwe as a leader in horticulture across Africa.”
HEEP will also create seasonal and part-time employment for 20,000 people. It emphasizes inclusivity by targeting 50% women, 30% youth, and more than 2,000 persons with disabilities.
The Horticulture Development Council, contributing US $590,000 to the initiative, is working closely with communities to support local engagement and training.
“We are unlocking value chains that have long excluded rural communities. Through the 4P model, smallholder farmers are becoming formal economic players with market-ready produce,” said Linda Nielsen, Chairperson of HDC.
The project’s funding includes US $37.1 million from IFAD, US$15 million from OFID, US$5.2 million from the Government of Zimbabwe, US$8.1 million from private sector partners, and US$1 million in farmer contributions. Its focus on local ownership ensures sustainability and long-term impact.
According to the Ministry, surrounding communities—an estimated 50,000 households not formally enrolled in the project—will benefit indirectly through improved road access, schools, and health centres connected to horticulture zones.
“This is how you drive rural transformation,” said IFAD Country Director Mariatu Kamara. “We are not just increasing crop yields; we are building resilient livelihoods for decades to come.”
Rutendo Mazhindu- Zim Now ReporterThe Grain Marketing Board announced yesterday that it received US$5 million and ZWG$15 million this week for wheat payments.This brings the total amount paid to far..
ZimbabweRutendo Mazhindu- Zim Now ReporterThe long-awaited Trabablas Interchange—formerly known as the Mbudzi roundabout—is now in its final stage and set to open to traffic this May, the Ministry of Transp..
ZimbabweOscar J Jeke- Zim Now ReporterA group of 49 white South Africans, predominantly Afrikaners, arrived in the United States this week under a controversial refugee resettlement initiative introduced by..
USA
Leave Comments