Zimbabwean farmers blaze trails with innovative greenhouse, hydroponics, and aquaponics ventures
In Zimbabwe’s agricultural landscape, a quiet revolution is underway as innovative farmers adopt modern methods to boost productivity, sustainability, and market access. Clemence Manyukwe profiles three pioneering Zimbabwean farmers — flower grower Roelof Nugteren, hydroponics entrepreneur Keith Chipudhla, and aquaponics specialist Joe Mugwagwa — whose undercover success stories exemplify resilience and ingenuity in the face of growing challenges.
High-value flower production under resilient greenhouses
Based in Mashonaland Central, Luxaflor Roses, co-owned by horticulture expert Roelof Nugteren, is Zimbabwe’s largest flower exporter, sending premium roses and delphiniums to South Africa and the Netherlands. Nugteren credits his success to robust European-imported greenhouses with advanced drip irrigation and controlled ventilation systems that ensure crop uniformity and quality.
“Growing delicate flowers like roses outdoors is near impossible here. Our greenhouses can withstand high winds and maintain stable temperatures, boosting yield and quality for export markets,” Nugteren explained. With 80% of the approximately 350 employees being women, the farm supports local livelihoods while employing preventative pest management and an employee-managed welfare fund aligned with fair-trade certification standards.
Hydroponics: urban food production and youth empowerment
Keith Chipudhla’s venture, Vitagrow Urban Farms in Harare, exemplifies hydroponics’ potential to transform Zimbabwean agriculture. Established in 2019, Vitagrow targets premium retailers and hospitality markets with leafy greens, microgreens, cucumbers, herbs, and edible flowers grown in controlled-environment systems.
“Hydroponics helps us tackle water scarcity and high input costs, delivering consistent produce year-round,” Chipudhla said. Their mixed system — combining nutrient film technique (NFT), Dutch bucket systems, and vertical farming — optimises yield and energy efficiency. Through their outgrower scheme, Vitagrow Empower, they empower youth with hands-on training and market linkages, fostering climate-smart agribusiness across urban and peri-urban zones.
Innovations like locally fabricated hydroponic systems have reduced setup costs by up to 40%, widening access for small-scale farmers and supporting Zimbabwe’s transition to sustainable agriculture.
Aquaponics: sustainable synergy of fish and plants
In Mashonaland East, Joe Mugwagwa implements an aquaponics system combining tilapia fish farming with leafy green and cherry tomato production in a closed-loop, water-efficient system. Aquaponics reduces reliance on synthetic fertilisers and cuts water use drastically — critical in water-scarce environments.
Mugwagwa’s operation doubles as a production hub and training centre, promoting technical skills transfer. Despite challenges like high start-up costs, intermittent electricity, and scarce specialised inputs, the model holds promise for urban resilience and nutrition enhancement.
Echoing this promise, fourth-generation Zimbabwean farmer Martin Fick, now based in South Africa, has been instrumental in regional aquaponics advancement. Through his company, Practical Aquaponics SA, and close ties with academic institutions, Fick has trained numerous Zimbabwean farmers and advocates aquaponics as a future-proof, water-wise, and sustainable food production solution.
Unlocking Zimbabwe’s agricultural future
These stories highlight the transformative power of innovative farming approaches that blend technology, skills development, and market orientation — all vital to Zimbabwe’s agricultural growth, food security, and rural livelihoods.
For policymakers, supporting access to finance, infrastructure, and technical training tailored to these modern systems is essential to scaling such successes nationally. Prioritising youth inclusion and gender equity in agriculture will further enhance socio-economic outcomes.
As Zimbabwe embraces greenhouse horticulture, hydroponics, and aquaponics, the country stands to bolster its resilience against climate variability, unlock export opportunities, and cultivate a new generation of empowered farmers ready to shape the future of sustainable agriculture.
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