News / Regional
Zimbabwe, AfDB launch new fertiliser initiative
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Zimbabwe is set to strengthen agricultural productivity through a new fertiliser initiative backed by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Agricultural Financial Services Group (AFSG), aimed at improving farmers' access to vital inputs and enhancing food security.
The programme, unveiled on the sidelines of the Africa Food Systems Forum in Dakar, Senegal, will provide farmers with fertilisers upfront, allowing repayment after harvest to ease financial pressures.
Speaking after meeting AfDB officials — Coordinator Ms Marie Clare Kalihangabo and Programme Development Specialist Mr Noel Ujeneza — Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri said the initiative would play a transformative role in Zimbabwe's farming sector.
"We are committed to bridging the gap between farmers and the resources they need. With the right tools, our agricultural sector can thrive," Prof Jiri said.
The current AfDB-supported programme concludes in October 2025, paving the way for the new scheme. It will distribute over 19,000 tonnes of fertiliser to commercial farmers, while also targeting smallholders who have historically struggled to access inputs due to financial constraints.
Ms Kalihangabo stressed the importance of the initiative: "Farmers need access to critical resources to unlock their potential. Our new initiative will change the narrative for many."
The government says the project aligns with broader efforts to boost food security, climate resilience, and sustainable farming. It includes a flagship US$6 million programme targeting Masvingo and Matabeleland South provinces, focusing on Village Business Units (VBUs) and promoting commercial farming practices. Plans are underway to extend the VBU model nationwide.
Prof Jiri described the fertiliser scheme as a vital step in transforming Zimbabwe's agricultural landscape: "This is just the beginning. We envision a future where every farmer in Zimbabwe has the tools they need to succeed."
The programme, unveiled on the sidelines of the Africa Food Systems Forum in Dakar, Senegal, will provide farmers with fertilisers upfront, allowing repayment after harvest to ease financial pressures.
Speaking after meeting AfDB officials — Coordinator Ms Marie Clare Kalihangabo and Programme Development Specialist Mr Noel Ujeneza — Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri said the initiative would play a transformative role in Zimbabwe's farming sector.
"We are committed to bridging the gap between farmers and the resources they need. With the right tools, our agricultural sector can thrive," Prof Jiri said.
The current AfDB-supported programme concludes in October 2025, paving the way for the new scheme. It will distribute over 19,000 tonnes of fertiliser to commercial farmers, while also targeting smallholders who have historically struggled to access inputs due to financial constraints.
Ms Kalihangabo stressed the importance of the initiative: "Farmers need access to critical resources to unlock their potential. Our new initiative will change the narrative for many."
The government says the project aligns with broader efforts to boost food security, climate resilience, and sustainable farming. It includes a flagship US$6 million programme targeting Masvingo and Matabeleland South provinces, focusing on Village Business Units (VBUs) and promoting commercial farming practices. Plans are underway to extend the VBU model nationwide.
Prof Jiri described the fertiliser scheme as a vital step in transforming Zimbabwe's agricultural landscape: "This is just the beginning. We envision a future where every farmer in Zimbabwe has the tools they need to succeed."
Source - The Herald
