Harare, (New Ziana) — The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development has warned farmers against falling prey to a fraudulent scheme making rounds on social media, claiming that government is offering agricultural grants to farmers.
The scam, which has been widely circulated via email and online platforms, purports to be part of a so-called “Agriculture Small and Micro Enterprises (SMEs) Grant Initiative 2025”, allegedly supported by an organisation called the Global Farmers Association (GFA), based in Nairobi, Kenya.
However, the ministry has categorically dismissed the advertisement as a scam. Ministry spokesperson and Communications and Advocacy Officer, Barbra Mutepfa, urged farmers to remain vigilant and not to fall victim to the false claims.
“Please be warned that the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development is not issuing Agricultural SMEs Grants to farmers. Any communication claiming otherwise is a scam. Please be cautious and verify information through our official channels,” said Mutepfa.
The fake correspondence claims that applicants have already submitted proposals which have been reviewed and deemed viable.
The letter further suggests that the fictitious initiative is designed to support national economic development by providing funding to farmers who demonstrate potential to create jobs and enhance agricultural productivity.
To give an illusion of credibility, the scammers encourage recipients to join the GFA and obtain a “Certificate of Accreditation”, falsely promising that this document will fast-track their inclusion in the final list of grant beneficiaries.
The fraudulent letter also claims that project assessments and site visits will occur only after funds have been disbursed, stating, “We are committed to transparency and fairness… any form of impropriety will result in disqualification.”
The Ministry has since urged farmers to disregard any such communication and avoid sharing personal information or making payments related to the scam. Farmers are advised to verify all official government initiatives directly through Ministry offices or its verified online platforms.
Authorities are investigating the source of the fraudulent messages, and the public has been encouraged to report any suspicious communication related to government programs.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the agricultural sector through legitimate and transparent initiatives aimed at boosting productivity, ensuring food security, and contributing to national economic growth.
New Ziana
