Enacy Mapakame

As Zimbabwe looks at drought proofing the agricultural sector, Government is channelling over $700 million towards irrigation development, a move that is crucial in boosting output and meeting Vision 2030 objectives.
Zimbabwe has an irrigation potential of 374 000 hectares, which can help double annual production.

However, poor infrastructure has been a stumbling block to agricultural production.

According to the 2020 Zimbabwe Infrastructure Investment Programme released by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, the $700 million funding will add on to the estimated 125 000ha that is already under irrigation. The funds will also be channelled towards maintenance of the irrigation facilities as well as training of farmers.

About 65 projects have been lined up across the country, especially in drought-prone areas of the Loweveld, Matabeleland South, Masvingo and some parts of Midlands.

The country’s agricultural activities have been largely rainfed, which has compromised output during droughts, cyclone disasters or when more than enough rainfall is received.

Agriculture is the backbone of the Zimbabwe economy, and has the greatest impact on poverty reduction.

As such, Government has identified irrigation rehabilitation as a top priority as it seeks to achieve food self-sufficiency through increased production. Support will also be extended to downstream industries that are directly or indirectly linked to agriculture.

Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube said in order to minimise the effects of poor rainfall on output, the agricultural sector requires drought proofing through massive investment in irrigation.

“The heavy reliance of the economy on agriculture, and vulnerability of agriculture to adverse weather conditions, such as drought, requires urgent attention if we are to achieve sustained strong economic growth and development.

“During 2020, an amount of $746 million from the fiscus and development partners will be channelled towards irrigation development, targeting to add onto the estimated 125 000 hectares already under irrigation, maintenance as well as farmer training.

“Ensuring investments in irrigation infrastructure provide the desired results, require capable farmers that embrace farming as a business, and are able to reinvest part of their income towards maintenance, including meeting operational expenses,” said Minister Ncube.

Consecutive poor rainfall seasons, including the El Nino phenomenon that ravaged Zimbabwe and other Sadc countries during the 2018/2019 agricultural season, have shown the importance of building resilience against climate variability and climate change.

Incidences of drought have resulted in the decline in agricultural production, which has led to a significant decline in economic performance, with large parts of the population being food insecure and requiring food aid during drought years.

Following a poor 2018/19 agricultural season, indications are that the country now requires to import 800 000 tonnes of maize in order to meet demand for both human and animal consumption.

Minister Ncube also indicated that Government, together with development partners, is working on smallholder irrigation schemes countrywide.

These are essential in ensuring food security at household level.

Under the Smallholder Irrigation Revitalisation Programme, which is co-funded by development partners, US$11,7 million is projected to be disbursed towards the completion of construction works at Musikavanhu Irrigation Scheme in Chipinge, the Exchange, Sebasa and Rupangwana schemes as well as tendering of works for 1 637 hectares for new schemes.

Another $40 million, with support from the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, will be disbursed towards the completion of detailed designs and main works for the Zhove Irrigation Scheme, which is estimated to benefit 5 000 households.

According to FAO, Zimbabwe has more than 12 000 small to medium inland dams. If well exploited, the dams have the potential to transform agriculture through irrigation as well as fishing projects.

Analysts say Government’s support to the agricultural sector will always be key as it promotes food security, job creation, industrial production and general economic growth.

In their 2019 Zimbabwe Agriculture Report, brokerage firm IH Securities also indicated Government’s critical role in boosting the sector, especially in a country prone to natural disasters such as droughts, cyclones and fall armyworm outbreaks.

“Based on the downfalls presented, we anticipate that the reduction in production will require increased Government support to sustain the sector.

“The devastating effects of the El Nino- induced drought, together with the prevailing liquidity crisis, has made it imperative for Government to step up efforts in food security and food self-sufficiency,” said IH.

The sector provides about 60 percent of the raw materials required for the local manufacturing sector and employs an estimated 70 percent of the country’s population.

As such, improving irrigation and mechanisation is essential as it enhances productivity.

Zimbabwe is seeking to become a net exporter of agricultural products in the region and beyond.