Manicaland ABAOs Launch Affiliate To Accelerate Implementation Of NDS2 And Enhance Food Security
Zimbabwe’s agricultural transformation journey has been bolstered with the launch of the Madhumeni/Abalimisi4Agricultural Transformation affiliate by Agricultural Business Advisory Officers (ABAOs) in Manicaland. The launch took place in Zimunya, Marange District, marking a critical step towards advancing the goals set out in the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), Vision 2030, and the national food security agenda.
This affiliate embodies the Second Republic’s ongoing push to convert government agricultural policies into tangible productivity improvements at the grassroots level. It serves as a vital support mechanism for the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development by intensifying farmer engagement, strengthening extension services, and delivering enhanced business advisory support.
National chairperson Mr Peter Nyeredzi explained that the affiliate was created to directly complement the Ministry’s efforts under the leadership of Hon Minister Dr Anxious Jongwe Masuka and Permanent Secretary Prof Dr Obert Jiri. “Our role as ABAOs is to operationalise this vision alongside farmers on the ground,” he said.
Most of the farmers served through this initiative are beneficiaries of the Land Reform Programme, remaining the primary focus of the Ministry’s work. Nyeredzi emphasised that the success of agricultural transformation depends on strong partnerships amongst extension officers, technocrats, and farming communities. “Our farmers are central to our daily work. Embedding extension and business advisory services firmly within these communities, in line with government policy, is indispensable,” he remarked.
The affiliate is fully aligned with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s vision emphasizing land tenure security, increased agricultural productivity, and sustainable food systems. Nyeredzi noted that consistent policy from the Ministry has built trust and confidence among both farmers and extension personnel.
Efforts are underway to improve extension service delivery through trust-building, practical training, and inclusive community outreach, with officers engaging farmers wherever they are—fields, villages, and communal spaces.
National coordinator Mr Israel Manzini highlighted that the affiliate’s formation illustrates the impact of capacity-building programmes under the Second Republic. The Ministry’s provisioning of motorbikes, solar kits, tablets, fuel, and airtime has transformed service delivery capacity significantly. “These resources enable us to provide accurate, real-time information to farmers, drastically improving efficiency and accountability at grassroots level,” he said.
The affiliate also plays a crucial role in reinforcing the Ministry’s food security efforts by ensuring government programmes reach farmers promptly and receive effective monitoring. “Our mandate is to close the gap between policy and practice to translate government schemes into increased production and improved food security,” Manzini stated.
At the provincial level, Manicaland chairperson Ms Debra Chiweshe revealed that over 870 ABAOs have become affiliate members, underscoring strong community support. The affiliate is instrumental in supporting and monitoring Village Business Units (VBUs), which are integral to government’s rural industrialisation plans.
“As agricultural business advisors, we work to convert agriculture into a profitable enterprise, targeting increased productivity, full granaries, and improved rural livelihoods,” Chiweshe shared.
Additionally, she reaffirmed the affiliate’s commitment to integrity and transparency, condemning corruption as detrimental to national progress. “We firmly reject corruption and prioritise delivering results aligned with the President’s Vision 2030 and Ministry policies,” she concluded.
FFA Explainer Box: Village Business Units (VBUs)
Village Business Units are localised economic entities that integrate agricultural production with business management, boosting rural industrialisation through job creation, value addition, and improved market access. VBUs support smallholder farmers to link with broader value chains, advancing inclusive rural development.
The Madhumeni/Abalimisi4Agricultural Transformation affiliate demonstrates how empowered, capacitated advisory services linked to innovative community structures can accelerate Zimbabwe’s agricultural transformation, ensuring women, youth and children benefit from inclusive growth aligned with the nation’s long-term development strategies.
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