Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Obert Jiri, has highlighted the critical role women play in driving Zimbabwe’s agricultural productivity and strengthening national food security.
“Women drive agriculture. Supporting women farmers with resources, training and access to markets strengthens households, communities and national growth. Inclusive agriculture is sustainable agriculture,” Jiri said.
Women constitute a significant portion of Zimbabwe’s agricultural labour force, particularly within smallholder and communal farming systems where they remain central to crop production, household nutrition and rural livelihoods.
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Despite their contribution, women farmers continue to face structural barriers, including limited access to land ownership, financing, agricultural inputs and formal markets — factors that constrain productivity and income growth.
Jiri’s remarks come at a time when government and development partners are intensifying efforts to promote inclusive agricultural policies aimed at improving resilience, boosting output and increasing rural incomes.
Expanding investment in women farmers is increasingly viewed as a strategic pathway toward strengthening food systems, improving household food security and supporting broader economic growth across the agricultural sector.
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