{"id":106935,"date":"2025-04-07T22:22:21","date_gmt":"2025-04-07T20:22:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/zimbabwe\/all-news\/women-and-youth-key-to-zimbabwes-agricultural-transformation"},"modified":"2025-04-15T13:07:30","modified_gmt":"2025-04-15T11:07:30","slug":"women-and-youth-key-to-zimbabwes-agricultural-transformation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/zimbabwe\/all-news\/women-and-youth-key-to-zimbabwes-agricultural-transformation","title":{"rendered":"Women and youth key to Zimbabwe\u2019s agricultural transformation"},"content":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. <\/strong><\/span>HARARE, Apr. 7 (NewsDay Live) – Women and the youth are key to spearheading agricultural transformation and should be recognised as critical driving forces behind innovation, resilience and sustainable production as empowering women and young people will ensure the country\u2019s food security and economic growth.<\/p>\n

This was said by Professor Obert Jiri, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, while addressing delegates at the inaugural Raregold Agricultural Excellence Expo 2025 at the weekend.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe youth are vital to our agricultural future, especially as small-scale farmers,\u201d Prof Jiri said. \u201cTheir energy, creativity, and openness to technology can revolutionize how we farm. We must support young people so they can lead innovation, boost productivity, and build a sustainable future for agriculture.\u201d<\/p>\n

He highlighted the central role of women in agriculture and the government\u2019s commitment to ensuring their full participation through initiatives like \u2018Agric4She\u2019.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Agric4She initiative embodies our commitment to mainstreaming women\u2019s participation in the sector.<\/p>\n

\u201cThrough programmes like Poultry4She, Poultry4Vanambuya, Banana4She, Irrigation4She, and Pfumvudza4She, we\u2019re equipping women with the tools, knowledge, and resources they need to thrive as farmers and community leaders,\u201d the senior government official said.<\/p>\n

Agriculture remains the backbone of Zimbabwe\u2019s economy, sustaining over 60% of the population and contributing significantly to GDP and national food security.<\/p>\n

The sector however faces numerous challenges.<\/p>\n

Prof Jiri acknowledged the challenges \u2013 from climate change and erratic weather patterns to limited access to finance, market barriers and infrastructure gaps.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur sector is at a crossroads,\u201d he said. \u201cWe are confronted by climate-induced droughts and floods, poor access to credit, and low levels of mechanisation.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese factors limit productivity and discourage investment. At the same time, post-harvest losses and land degradation continue to undermine progress.\u201d<\/p>\n

Despite the challenges, Prof Jiri said he remained optimistic, pointing to opportunities for transformation through innovation, youth involvement and stronger partnerships.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile daunting, these challenges present unique opportunities. With innovation and collaboration, we can build a resilient and inclusive agricultural sector,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Prof Jiri applauded Raregold Managing Director, Mrs Sarudzayi Mboweni, for setting an example in sustainable farming at her Glenforest-based Raregold Farm, north of Harare.<\/p>\n

\u201cRaregold Farm shows that agriculture can be a viable and sustainable business. The way enterprises are integrated here \u2014 where nothing goes to waste \u2014 is a lesson for all of us,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Raregold Farm is a hub of diverse agricultural activity, including primary crop production, greenhouse farming, apiculture, aquaculture, livestock rearing and agroforestry.<\/p>\n

The farm served as the venue for the Expo, which brought together farmers, suppliers, innovators, and stakeholders in a celebration of agricultural excellence.<\/p>\n

Mrs Mboweni described the inaugural Expo as a resounding success, saying it promoted shared learning and sustainable growth.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt Raregold, we believe that true transformation in agriculture requires innovation, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing. This Expo was designed to be a platform where partnerships are forged and excellence is celebrated,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

She paid a special tribute to Zimbabwe\u2019s small and medium-scale farmers, describing them as \u201cthe true heroes\u201d of the country\u2019s resilient agricultural story.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour resilience in the face of climate challenges, your embrace of new technologies, and your unwavering commitment to feeding the nation inspire everything we do. This Expo is for you \u2014 to connect you with the tools, knowledge and networks that will elevate your farming practices.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mrs Mboweni also recognized the importance of the private sector in the agricultural value chain.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo our suppliers of inputs and equipment \u2014 your innovations are pushing our sector forward. Your role is critical in helping farmers adapt and thrive in a changing world. We deeply value your partnership,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n

The University of Zimbabwe walked away with the Best Exhibitor Award, while the Embassy of Malaysia clinched the First Runner-Up accolade, underscoring the diversity and global engagement the Expo attracted.<\/p>\n

For More News And Analysis About Zimbabwe<\/span> Follow Africa-Press<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. HARARE, Apr. 7 (NewsDay Live) – Women and the youth are key to spearheading agricultural transformation and should be recognised as critical driving forces behind innovation, resilience and sustainable production as empowering women and young people will ensure the country\u2019s food security and economic growth. This was said by Professor Obert Jiri, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":84,"featured_media":106934,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,6],"tags":[19],"class_list":["post-106935","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-all-news","category-economy","tag-zimbabwe"],"yoast_head":"\nWomen and youth key to Zimbabwe\u2019s agricultural transformation - zimbabwe<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"HARARE, Apr. 7 (NewsDay Live) - Women and the youth are key to spearheading agricultural transformation and should be re ...\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/zimbabwe\/all-news\/women-and-youth-key-to-zimbabwes-agricultural-transformation\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Women and youth key to Zimbabwe\u2019s agricultural transformation\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"HARARE, Apr. 7 (NewsDay Live) - 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