ARDA’s sorghum drive boosts climate resilience and national food security in Mashonaland West
In a strategic move to safeguard Zimbabwe’s food security amid increasingly erratic weather patterns, the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) has launched a major climate-resilient sorghum production programme in Mashonaland West Province for the 2025/26 agricultural season. This initiative underscores the Government’s commitment to promoting traditional grains as a cornerstone of climate-smart agriculture and national grain reserves.
A robust joint venture model supporting farmers
ARDA’s pioneering Joint Venture (JV) model has partnered with 436 farmers to establish over 15,000 hectares under sorghum cultivation, aiming to produce no less than 45,000 tonnes earmarked for the Strategic Grain Reserve. This approach not only provides farmers with critical inputs and technical support but also guarantees market access, mitigating typical risks linked to production costs and climatic challenges.
Mr Shingirayi Jenah, ARDA’s Operations Director, emphasised the programme’s dual role in fostering resilience and enhancing food stock stability:
“This programme is about building resilience at farm level while safeguarding the nation’s food security. Sorghum has proven its strength under harsh climatic conditions, and through our joint venture model we are ensuring farmers have guaranteed inputs, technical backstopping and a secure market.”
Mentorship and peer learning drive improved outcomes
A key innovation within the programme is its mentorship-driven production framework, where experienced lead farmers provide hands-on guidance to contracted growers. This peer-to-peer support system increases adherence to best agronomic practices, enhances monitoring, and results in improved yields across participating wards.
Farmers involved in the scheme have praised the assured access to inputs and technical expertise, describing the JV model as a vital cushion against rising input costs and climate vulnerabilities.
The resilience of traditional grains in drought-prone environments
The value of sorghum and other indigenous grains like millet has become increasingly evident in recent years, especially during dry spells such as the recent two-week drought that severely affected maize production on lighter soils in Mashonaland West.
Despite these adverse weather events, sorghum’s drought tolerance has sustained production, reinforcing its strategic importance in diversifying Zimbabwe’s cropping systems to enhance climate resilience.
Zimbabwean farmer perspective: embracing climate-smart sorghum
Mr Tendai Mukanya, a sorghum grower from Mhondoro-Ngezi, shares his experience benefiting from ARDA’s JV scheme:
“Before joining this programme, I struggled with erratic rains and high input costs. With the assured supply of seed and fertiliser, and guidance from lead farmers, my yields have improved significantly. Sorghum’s resilience means I can still harvest when maize fails. This has strengthened my family’s food security and income.”
Linking traditional grains to national development goals
The sorghum programme strongly aligns with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), which emphasises sustainable agriculture, resilience-building, and rural economic empowerment. By integrating traditional grains into strategic reserves, the Government strengthens food sovereignty while supporting farmers’ livelihoods.
Furthermore, the programme’s inclusive framework opens opportunities for women and youth participation in climate-resilient agriculture, fostering equitable growth in rural communities.
Future outlook: scaling climate-smart agriculture for resilient food systems
ARDA plans to expand the joint venture model to other provinces, leveraging lessons from Mashonaland West to enhance national coverage. Continued investment in extension services, input subsidies, and market infrastructure will be crucial to sustaining momentum.
The resilience demonstrated by sorghum cultivars against droughts reinforces their potential as a key pillar of Zimbabwe’s climate adaptation strategy, contributing to secure food supplies even under challenging environmental conditions.
FFA Explainer:
Joint Venture (JV) agricultural models involve partnerships between government bodies like ARDA and groups of farmers. Under these schemes, the government provides inputs, technical support, and market access, while farmers contribute labour and land. This collaborative approach shares risks and resources to promote sustainable production and improve farmers’ resilience.
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