Gweru – The Zimbabwe Farmers Union has assured the nation food security through a resilient,
commercialised, and viable agriculture sector.
Addressing the farmers during the organisation’s congress ZFU President Abdul Nyathi said they will
help farmers understand their market, finance and resource management for increased production.
By fostering inclusive agriculture value chains, farmers are better linked to the markets and have
enhanced access to market information.
ZFU is developing direct marking models for all commodities that are designed to eliminate the
middlemen and improve farmers income and viability, Nyathi said.
Secretary for Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development Honourable Professor
Obert Jiri said Zimbabwe has developed strong policies and strategic documents in support of
inclusive agricultural value chains in the country.
“Zimbabwe has developed strong policies and strategic documents in support of inclusive
agricultural value chains in the country,” he said.
Prof Jiri said the policies include the National Development Strategy NDS-1, Food and Nutrition
Security Policy, Multisectoral National Food and Nutrition Security Strategy and National Agriculture
Policy Framework among others.
He said the government is encouraging stakeholders to play pivotal roles in modernising and
industrialising the agriculture sector.
The Government of Zimbabwe is mobilising financing institutions and private sector actors to invest
in agriculture, and to stimulate sustainable, affordable financing to agriculture.
“Currently, each agricultural processor is mandated to finance at least 40 percent of its grain.
We are promoting the production of traditional grains and other indigenous foods not only to
enhance sustainable access to nutritious food but also to build food system resilience, Professor Jiri
said.
Farmers indicated that delays in payment for their produce has impacted negatively on most of
them hindering progress in the sector due to delayed planning and reduced income injection.
The Congress appealed to government to state policies that will create jobs in rural areas and stop
rural to urban migrations in search of jobs but instead provide food security everywhere.
The congress was held under the theme ‘Fostering Inclusive Agricultural Value Chains’.