Tiyani Hahlani.

Smallholder farmers remain the backbone of Zimbabwe’s food security, contributing up to 70 percent of the country’s agricultural output, the Chief Director of the Agriculture and Rural Development Advisory Service (ARDAS), Medlinah Magwenzi, has said.

Magwenzi highlighted government’s sustained commitment to empowering rural farmers through the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme, which has supported three million smallholder farmers over the past five years.

She said the initiative has significantly boosted rural productivity and strengthened national food security.

“Smallholder farmers are the backbone of our food security, and their contribution remains unmatched.

“For five years now, Government has consistently supported three million farmers through Pfumvudza/Intwasa, and this programme has fundamentally changed the landscape of rural productivity,” said Magwenzi.

She stressed that Pfumvudza/Intwasa is more than an input distribution scheme, describing it as a climate-smart and sustainable farming model.

“This programme is not just about distributing inputs. It is now a fundamental way of farming, and farmers who have embraced it are moving beyond reliance on free food handouts.

“Some farmers are now buying their own inputs, fencing their land, and acquiring personal assets — turning dependence on free support into a long-forgotten story and demonstrating true self-sufficiency,” she said.

To ensure long-term resilience, she said the government is investing in key enablers such as commercialised conservation agriculture tillage and expanded mechanisation services.

“In response to climate change, efforts are also underway to improve water availability through the rehabilitation of boreholes, weirs and dams.

“By combining mechanisation with agro-ecological region tailoring, we are ensuring farmers plant crops suited to their areas. Zimbabwean farmers are now well-equipped to thrive and continue improving their livelihoods,” said Magwenzi.