Zimbabwe advances agro-ecology to boost food security

As Zimbabwe faces increasing challenges from climate change, including frequent droughts, biodiversity loss, and unpredictable weather patterns, the country is intensifying its commitment to agro-ecology – a sustainable farming model that promises to enhance climate resilience and improve food security.

The concept of agro-ecology offers a holistic approach to agriculture that integrates ecological principles, traditional knowledge, and modern science. This approach not only aims to conserve biodiversity and natural resources but also boosts the resilience of food systems against the adverse effects of climate change.

Obert Jiri, the Secretary for Agriculture in Zimbabwe, highlighted the importance of agro-ecology in transforming the country's food systems. "Agro-ecology is an integrated and holistic approach, capable of producing diverse, affordable foods while conserving biodiversity and natural resources," he stated. Jiri emphasized that this shift in farming methods could significantly benefit small-scale farmers, especially women and youths, who are often most vulnerable to the effects of climate change.

He further explained that agro-ecology empowers communities by reducing dependence on costly external inputs, promoting self-sufficiency, and fostering local innovation. Farmers can adapt traditional practices with modern techniques tailored to their specific environments, making the approach both environmentally sustainable and economically viable.

Economist Prosper Chitambara also underscored the broad benefits of agro-ecology, describing it as a comprehensive solution to Zimbabwe's agricultural challenges. "Agro-ecology is a holistic approach that goes beyond conventional farming. It promotes practices that are productive and sustainable, safeguarding the natural resources on which agriculture depends," Chitambara said.

In support of this transition, Zimbabwe recently launched the Agro-ecology Promotion Policy and Strategy. This initiative outlines a framework for implementing agro-ecological practices across the nation, aligning Zimbabwe's agricultural strategies with global sustainability goals, particularly in the context of the ongoing climate crisis.

Zimbabwe has not been immune to the devastating effects of climate change. The country has faced severe droughts, particularly in the 2023/24 rainy season, exacerbated by the El Niño phenomenon, which resulted in lower-than-average rainfall and widespread crop failures. In response, the adoption of agro-ecological practices is seen as a critical step towards building a more resilient agricultural sector, capable of withstanding the increasing challenges posed by climate change.

With agro-ecology at the forefront of Zimbabwe's agricultural policy, the country is positioning itself to build a sustainable and climate-resilient food system, one that can withstand the impacts of climate change while ensuring food security for its population.