Zimbabwe is sharpening its long-term agricultural vision, outlining plans to grow the sector into a US$15.8 billion industry by 2030, anchored on food sovereignty, rural equity and strengthened national data systems.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Anxious Masuka said the country’s next agricultural strategy is shifting from routine reporting to long-term transformation driven by people-centred growth.
“A critical part of strategic planning must answer the question: Where is the equity as we do all this?” he said.
“Growth must be felt in the ordinary village. It cannot just be a number.”
Dr Masuka added that the drive to strengthen agriculture must directly contribute to Zimbabwe’s broader aspiration of becoming an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.
Permanent Secretary Obert Jiri said the ministry is refining its roadmap as the country reflects on the meaning of food sovereignty.
“Food sovereignty means we must produce our own food and ensure every person in Zimbabwe has enough nutritious food,” he said.
“We must honestly ask ourselves: Are we producing enough, and do our people have real access?”
Related Stories
He noted that Zimbabwe has already demonstrated that local food production is achievable, and the next phase will focus on improving nutrition security, affordability and quality across communities.
Deputy Minister Vangelis Haritatos emphasised that collaboration will remain central to building resilient food systems, highlighting that the ministry’s operational approach prioritises partnerships with private players, development institutions and civil society.
“Our targets cannot be achieved by Government alone,” he said.
“Partnerships are the bedrock of success and the strongest driver of investment in agriculture.”
Dr Masuka also outlined four pillars guiding the agricultural transition: aligning the ministry’s strategy with NDS II, restructuring departments to meet current demands, addressing skills gaps and strengthening national data systems. He said accurate, validated statistics led by ZimStat will shape credible policy decisions.
Deputy Minister Davis Marapira added that government expects immediate translation of plans into action.
“The blueprint we are crafting must be more than ink on paper,” he said.
“Our mandate is to convert ideas into tangible outcomes that reach grassroots communities.”
The ministry said the upcoming 2026–2030 strategy will prioritise investment, boost production, transform rural livelihoods and secure lasting food sovereignty for all Zimbabweans.
Leave Comments