Bulawayo, (New Ziana) — The Zimbabwe government is intensifying efforts to attract investment in major agriculture infrastructure including dams and irrigation systems in order to accelerate rural transformation.
Speaking during his Ministry strategic planning workshop on Tuesday, secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri said the future of agriculture hinges on smart, targeted investments guided by the Agricultural Food Systems, Rural Transformation Strategy and the Zimbabwe Agricultural Legacy Investment Plan.
“We developed the Zimbabwe Agricultural Legacy Investment Plan, and this is a fully fledged investment package we are selling and presenting to investors. We have a clear plan of our investment areas such as irrigation development, mechanisation, village business units, livestock and dairy expansion. Investors know exactly where their money can go and what impact it will create,” he said.
Prof Jiri said completing major water projects remains a top national priority, with the Gwayi-Shangani Dam identified as the key catalyst for Matabeleland’s agricultural revival.
“If we finish Gwayi-Shangani, we will be able to unlock at least 10 000 hectares of irrigation. The dam will also feed water to Bulawayo through a pipeline expected to support irrigation schemes along its route,” he said, adding the government no longer views dams merely as water storage structures but as an economy.
“We say the dam is not a project but an economy. Once water is stored, we must build irrigation systems, develop fisheries, harness hydropower, and ensure communities around the dam have clean water and strong infrastructure,” he explained.
Turning to food security, Prof Jiri spoke of a refined approach to the Pfumvudza/Intwasa program, which this season targets 3 million rural households.
“We have removed the 500 000 peri-urban beneficiaries. This program now goes back to rural vulnerable households. Strict guidelines will govern who qualifies, and the distribution process is being closely managed to ensure fairness and transparency. Lists are developed by Agritex officers who know the farmers and vulnerable households, and they must be verified by community leaders. The distribution committee is chaired by the local councilor and includes the headmaster, the chief’s appointee, women, youth and war veterans,” he explained.
Prof Jiri said the beneficiary list will be digital and the Ministry was also piloting a card-based verification system.
“These are Presidential inputs, and anyone abusing them is essentially stealing from the President. These inputs are not for sale. Anyone selling Pfumvudza inputs is breaking the law, and the law must take its course,” he warned.
He reiterated that the country`s agricultural vision extends far beyond primary production, adding that agriculture was also an economy which is supporting livelihoods, building dignity, and securing national sovereignty.
“Our strategies, from irrigation to livestock to digital systems, are about transforming rural communities and creating sustainable, profitable value chains,” he explained.
Prof Jiri also said the country’s investment roadmap, coupled with major water projects and strengthened governance mechanisms, positions agriculture as the engine of rural development and economic growth.
New Ziana
