By Thabisani Dube

Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector is undergoing a transformative shift as farmers and policymakers embrace sustainable farming practices to address the growing demand for food and the urgent need to protect the environment. With over 60 percent of the working population employed in agriculture, this transition towards eco-friendly methods holds immense potential for a greener future.

Agriculture is the backbone of Zimbabwe’s economy, providing crucial pathways to food security and income for vulnerable families. As the nation grapples with food shortages and environmental degradation, the integration of sustainable agriculture becomes essential not only to feed the hungry but also to safeguard the country’s ecological balance.

One notable change has been the expansion of maize cultivation, with the area under cultivation increasing from 870,000 hectares to an average of 1.8 million hectares annually, according to the Zimbabwe Farmers Union. This growth is matched by a concerted effort to promote Conservation Agriculture practices, such as zero tillage and crop rotation, which are proven to enhance soil health and water conservation.

Isaiah Bowani, a consultant with Nova Fructus Farming and Agriculture Consultants in Harare, says: “Sustainable farming practices increase organic matter, enhance water infiltration, and promote beneficial microbial activity.” Bowani adds. “They reduce erosion and lead to higher crop yields over time, fostering a resilient soil ecosystem.”

Dr. Blessing Mhlanga, a Cropping Systems Agronomist at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT),emphasises the multifaceted approach needed to achieve food security while protecting the environment. “Strategies should focus on regenerating soils and reducing food losses,” he says. “This is critical for economic stability, better health, and resilience to climate shocks.”

Implementing these sustainable practices involves land recovery and revitalisation through techniques like agroforestry and conservation agriculture, which emphasises minimal soil disturbance and permanent soil cover. However, farmers face numerous challenges in adopting these methods.

To overcome these challenges, Bowani suggests that education, training, and financial incentives are vital. “Providing access to technology and research, addressing short-term economic risks, and fostering community support can significantly enhance the implementation of sustainable practices,” he explains.

Collen Austin, a farmer from Marondera in Mashonaland East, has been practicing sustainable agriculture techniques for several years. He employs crop rotation, organic fertilization, and soil conservation methods, such as contour farming.

“Since adopting these methods, I’ve seen significant improvements in productivity and soil quality,” Austin says. “The soil retains moisture better, and my crops are more resilient to drought.” He also notes that sustainable agriculture practices have reduced soil erosion and enhanced biodiversity on his farm.

Austin acknowledges the challenges posed by climate change, explaining how unpredictable weather patterns disrupt planning. “We’ve lost seed and labour costs due to changing seasons,” he explains. “Water reservoirs are depleted, and pests thrive in these conditions.”

Elphas Chinyanga, a smallholder maize farmer in Shamva district in Mashonaland Central Province, was used to the traditional way of farming that his family had practiced for generations, which required clearing a plot of land and burning all plant residues remaining on the soil to get a clean seedbed. But, as land demand increases, this fuels deforestation and depletes soil nutrients.  Since adopting Conservation Agriculture to his circumstances, in the 2023-2024 cropping season, Chinyanga harvested his best maize yield in the last decade, despite the El-Nino -induced drought, thanks to the sustainable agricultural practices.

Washington Zhakata, Director of the Climate Change Management Department in the Ministry of Environment, Climate, and Wildlife, adds that initiatives like Pfumvudza (Intwasa) are underway to train farmers in climate-smart practices, highlighting the importance of crop and livestock diversification.

Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector is a cornerstone of the economy, contributing 11 percent to the gross domestic product (GDP) and employing about 70 percent of the population. However, it faces significant challenges, including climate change, soil degradation, and water scarcity. The El Niño-induced drought has led to a 60 percent drop in maize production for the 2024/25 marketing year.

In response, the government has introduced measures to enhance agricultural productivity and reduce reliance on imports, such as lifting the ban on maize imports and implementing the National Agriculture Policy Framework (2019-2030), which promotes sustainable practices.

By fostering sustainable agriculture, Zimbabwe stands a better chance of feeding itself while protecting its natural ecosystems. The journey towards a greener future is not merely an aspiration; it is a necessity for the country’s survival. Through collective effort and innovative practices, Zimbabwe can cultivate a greener revolution that nourishes both its people and the land.