ARDA’s Strategic Partnership Boosts Traditional Grain Production in Mashonaland West
Zimbabwe’s Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) has embarked on an ambitious joint venture with 300 farmers in Mashonaland West to significantly enhance traditional grain production during the current summer cropping season. This partnership forms part of a broader strategy to meet the provincial grain production target of 46,000 hectares, with ARDA’s outgrower programme committed to cultivating at least 15,000 hectares under drought-resistant traditional grains such as sorghum and millet.
Traditional grains, known for their inherent drought tolerance and climate resilience, are increasingly vital for Zimbabwe’s agricultural stability as climatic unpredictability intensifies. This initiative aligns closely with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) goals of food self-sufficiency and agricultural sustainability, while also promoting inclusivity by involving women, youth, and smallholder farmers.
Farmers involved in the programme share a strong sense of optimism. Mr James Masango, a participating farmer, affirmed, “We have been relying on rain-fed agriculture for years, and yields have been going down. This programme gives us guaranteed inputs and support, and we are confident our output will improve. It is a huge relief for us.” Similarly, Ms Doreen Nyaradzai, highlighted the financial relief the scheme provides: “Inputs are expensive for an ordinary farmer. Being included in this ARDA Joint Venture means we can now go back to full production. We are grateful because this is the kind of support that revives our farms.” Meanwhile, Ms Martha Mataruse emphasised the climate benefits: “Traditional grains are the way to go with the way climate is changing. ARDA coming in with seed and technical assistance is a big boost. We expect better results this season.”
ARDA’s innovative approach integrates modern technology with traditional agricultural methods. According to Joint Venture Coordinator Mr Tichaona Mapfoche, “Inputs are already being distributed to farmers to support early preparations, and we are complementing this with the use of drones for field monitoring, precision spraying, and crop health assessments. This combination of timely support and modern technology is helping us improve efficiency and resilience across the entire farming season.” The use of drones in crop management represents a significant leap forward, enabling real-time data gathering to optimise crop health and resource use.
Complementing the technological advances, ARDA Seeds has intensified its focus on developing and supplying drought-resistant seed varieties tailored to Zimbabwe’s agro-ecological zones. Provincial Agronomist Aaron Chipatiso noted, “We remain open to partnering with established seed companies as we work to deliver the Presidential mandate of ensuring national food security.” Such collaborations are fundamental to embedding climate pragmatism at the heart of farming practices.
ARDA’s CEO Mr Tinotenda Mhiko detailed the organisation’s vision: “For this season, we are targeting to produce at least 40,000 hectares of traditional grains which is a 110 percent growth against the prior year’s 19,000 hectares. We are aggressively implementing and buttressing the government’s policy position on promoting production guided by agro-ecological tailoring of crops.” Agro-ecological tailoring means selecting crops suited to specific environmental conditions to ensure optimal production and sustainability.
He further explained the strategic alignment with national priorities: “This approach ensures farmers reap the highest benefits from their cropping environment, building sustainability and climate resilience across value chains. Our interventions support food self-sufficiency, food security, and food sovereignty in line with the Agriculture Food Systems and Raw Transformation Strategy one and two, as well as the NDS2 blueprints.” Such synergy between policy and practical interventions is critical for addressing Zimbabwe’s food security needs amid climate challenges.
Mrs Evelyn Ndoro, Agritex Provincial Director for Mashonaland West, confirmed smooth input distribution and expressed confidence in meeting the provincial production goal. “We are prioritising the rollout of drought-resistant varieties, especially sorghum, millet, and other small grains. The process is ongoing across districts, ensuring all registered farmers receive their allocations on time to plant within the optimal window. This is part of our climate-smart approach to food security,” she said.
The Zimbabwean government recognises the production of traditional grains as a vital pillar in its climate adaptation and nutrition security policies. Scholars and policymakers alike commend their resilience and nutritional value, especially in the face of erratic rainfall and increasing drought. This ARDA-led initiative highlights the potential of inclusive, technology-supported agriculture to empower rural communities and foster sustainable food systems.
This joint venture is a beacon of hope not only for Mashonaland West but also as a replicable model across Zimbabwe. It underscores the government’s dedication to practical solutions that enhance productivity, involve youth and women, and build resilience against climate shocks. With continued support and innovation, Zimbabwe’s agricultural future looks increasingly secure and prosperous.
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