Govt Launches Two China-Backed Projects to Tackle ...

Govt Launches Two China-Backed Projects to Tackle Water Scarcity, Soil Degradation

Oscar J Jeke- Zim Now Reporter

Zimbabwe has taken a significant step toward achieving food security and climate resilience with the official launch of two key initiatives: the National Water Roadmap towards 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and the Capacity Development on Sustainable Soil Management in the Global South.

The two projects, launched at Cresta Lodge in Harare, are supported by the Food and Agriculture Organisation and the Government of China under the South-South Cooperation framework.

They aim to address critical challenges in Zimbabwe’s agriculture sector, including water scarcity, poor soil health, and the impacts of climate change. Over 70 percent of the country’s soils are sandy, making them vulnerable to erosion, nutrient depletion, and waterlogging.

“Yet they hold potential,” said Professor Obert Jiri, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development.

“These initiatives will unlock that potential through science, training, and South–South knowledge exchange.”

The National Water Roadmap seeks to strengthen water governance frameworks at both national and subnational levels, prioritise water allocation for agriculture, and expand micro-irrigation systems, particularly in rural areas. According to Professor Jiri, the roadmap aligns with Zimbabwe’s Rural Development 8.0 strategy.

“Water is at the centre of Rural Development 8.0. We are committed to delivering reliable water to 35,000 rural communities and 10,000 institutions. This is a collective pledge to food security and universal access to clean water,” he emphasized.

The second project—Capacity Development on Sustainable Soil Management—focuses on equipping stakeholders in the Global South, particularly in Africa, with the skills and knowledge required for sustainable soil use. It will include farmer training, technical assistance, and the sharing of scientific innovations between China, Zimbabwe, and other participating countries.

Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding welcomed the launch, describing the projects as a practical demonstration of international solidarity in the face of climate stress and food insecurity.

"At a time of climate urgency and food insecurity, soil and water are lifelines," Zhou posted on his official X account. "These projects bring South-South Cooperation to life, delivering knowledge and tools that support farmers, boost productivity, and promote smart resource use."

FAO Southern Africa Subregional Coordinator Patrice Talla and FAO Zimbabwe representatives also attended the event, underscoring the organization’s continued commitment to promoting climate-smart agriculture across Africa.