ARDA CEO Mhiko Wins Third Consecutive President’s Award for Performance Excellence
Harare – The Chief Executive Officer of the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA), Mr. Mhiko, has continued to assert his leadership prowess, securing the Overall Best Performer title among CEOs of Commercial State-Owned Enterprises under the prestigious President’s Award for Performance Excellence. This third consecutive win firmly establishes him as a leading figure in Zimbabwe’s agricultural transformation landscape.
Trailblazing leadership recognised at national and continental level
Mr. Mhiko’s outstanding achievements have garnered acclaim beyond Zimbabwe’s borders. In 2024, he was honoured with the highly coveted Africa Food Prize, receiving US$100,000 for his pioneering work in enhancing food security through strategic irrigation development. His innovative strategies have addressed critical challenges such as drought resilience and land degradation, making ARDA a model institution for sustainable agriculture in Africa.
Under his visionary guidance, ARDA has expanded its irrigated land portfolio from 6,000 hectares in 2016 to a projected 15,000 hectares by 2025. This growth has significantly boosted the nation’s agricultural productivity and strengthened food systems resilience.
Driving agricultural excellence through partnership and innovation
Mr. Mhiko’s leadership encourages collaboration among government entities, the private sector, and international partners. This inclusive approach has been pivotal in transforming ARDA into a beacon of agricultural innovation and performance.
His remarkable track record also earned him the CEO of the Year accolade at the 2023 CEO Africa Roundtable awards, further consolidating his reputation as a transformational leader within the continent’s agricultural sector.
As Zimbabwe pursues its National Development Strategy (NDS1 and NDS2) goals of food security, rural prosperity, and climate resilience, Mr. Mhiko’s continued excellence provides a compelling blueprint for sustainable agricultural development, inspiring confidence among stakeholders and farmers nationwide.
Zimbabwe case study: Transforming irrigation for food security
One notable success story emerging under Mr. Mhiko’s leadership is the rehabilitation and expansion of the Mzingwane Irrigation Scheme in Matabeleland South. Through ARDA’s integrated water management and farmer training initiatives, thousands of small-scale farmers have gained access to reliable irrigation, increasing crop yields and household incomes.
Mrs. Nomsa Sibanda, a beneficiary farmer, shared her experience: “Before ARDA’s intervention, my crop yields were unpredictable due to drought. With the new irrigation system, I can grow throughout the year and support my family. This programme has changed our lives.”
This tangible impact encapsulates ARDA’s role in turning policy into practice, enhancing food security and fostering rural livelihoods in line with national development objectives.
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