By Archford Chirimudombo
Harare, (New Ziana) – The capital, Harare is set to host a National Agriculture Conference and Expo from September 24 to 25 at the University of Zimbabwe as the country steps up preparations for a potentially drought-affected 2026-2027 agricultural season.
The event, convened by the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resource Development, will run under the theme: ‘Transforming Agriculture for Resilience, Investment, and Inclusive Growth.’
Key stakeholders expected to participate include the Agriculture Marketing Authority, Buy Zimbabwe, the University of Zimbabwe and the African Economic Development Strategy (AEDS), among other players in the agricultural sector.
The conference comes as the Meteorological Services Department (MSD) forecasts a high likelihood of below-normal rainfall during the 2026-2027 season, with anticipated El Niño conditions raising concerns over drought and its potential impact on agricultural production.
Against this backdrop, the conference and expo will focus on practical measures to strengthen the country’s preparedness, bringing together farmers, policymakers, private sector representatives, financial institutions and agricultural experts to examine drought adaptation strategies, climate-smart agriculture and the expansion of irrigation.
“We are bringing key stakeholders together to discuss the Government’s comprehensive preparedness framework designed to protect our national agricultural output, secure rural livelihoods, and guarantee food security. Anticipated El Niño conditions require proactive, decisive action,” the Ministry said.
It said the gathering would also provide a platform to translate climate-resilience measures into practical interventions, including the adoption of climate-smart Pfumvudza/Intwasa farming practices, increased irrigation development around dams and the strengthening of strategic grain reserves.
Government has already adopted a Six Pillar Drought Plan as part of measures to cushion the country against the anticipated effects of El Niño.
The plan provides for strengthening strategic grain reserves, accelerating grain imports and establishing an integrated financing mechanism to support drought preparedness and response.
Other measures under the plan include scaling up climate-smart agricultural production, strengthening livestock drought mitigation programmes, improving coordination and early-warning systems, and enhancing capacity building.
AEDS, one of the stakeholders expected to attend the conference and expo, said agriculture remained central to Zimbabwe’s efforts to build resilience in the face of climate-related challenges.
“Zimbabwe’s agriculture transformation takes centre stage at the National Agriculture Conference and Expo as stakeholders converge to advance resilience, investment, inclusive growth and the country’s ambition to become a regional food hub. Building an inclusive agricultural economy requires reliable infrastructure, smart water harvesting, and tailored investments,” AEDS said in a post on its X account.
The conference is therefore expected to provide a platform for stakeholders to explore investment opportunities and practical interventions aimed at strengthening agricultural productivity, safeguarding livelihoods and improving Zimbabwe’s capacity to withstand climate shocks.
New Ziana
