Partnerships Drive Wheat Production And Livelihoods In Zimbabwe

FAO, Government, AfDB and AFC work hand in hand to strengthen smallholder resilience and national food security

Phaphamani Irrigation Scheme in Umguza District, Matabeleland North Province, Zimbabwe, yesterday showcased the transformative power of strong partnerships in boosting wheat production and improving rural livelihoods.

The 50-hectare scheme, supported by FAO, the AFC Land Bank, the African Development Bank (AfDB), and the Government of Zimbabwe through the Zimbabwe Emergency Food Production Project (ZEFPP), is a shining example of how coordinated efforts can unlock opportunities for smallholder farmers. The 12 beneficiaries from the Phaphamani irrigation scheme are among the 3 835 farmers who have benefited from the Seed Revolving Fund (SRF), collectively cultivating over 17 000 hectares during the current winter wheat growing season. To date, the project has reached a total of 17 048 farmers through the SRF, slightly exceeding its target.

The project which aligns with the FAO Strategic Framework 2022–31, seeks to support the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life—leaving no one behind.

Speaking during the field visit, FAO Representative in Zimbabwe and FAO Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa, Patrice Talla, underlined the life-changing impact of the ZEFPP project, “What I found remarkable at Phaphamani is how farmers are going beyond wheat production. With the support provided, they are reinvesting income into livestock, irrigated market gardening, and ensuring better education for their children. This is what true resilience looks like.”

The AFC Land Bank’s Managing Director, Priscilla Munyeza, emphasized that the partnership was a game-changer for small-scale farmers, “With support from AfDB, FAO, and Government, farmers have been able to access low-cost loans and mechanization equipment. This has enabled them to produce better, on time, and more profitably,” she said.

From the Government’s side, a Director in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development, speaking on behalf of the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Obert Jiri, highlighted the strategic importance of schemes like Phaphamani. “While Phaphamani covers just 50 hectares, it is part of thousands of hectares under winter wheat across the country. Contributions from such schemes are crucial for ensuring that Zimbabwe meets its wheat production targets,” said Director Business Development Markets and Trade (BDMT), Abraham Mashumba.

Government investment in infrastructure has been pivotal. The scheme was established with state support, including the installation of a centre pivot irrigation system. Through the AFC-administered Seed Revolving Fund, farmers accessed affordable loans for seed and fertilizer, enabling them to plant early and improve yields.

Farmers’ Voices: Transforming lives beyond wheat
Farmers testified that before the introduction of the revolving fund, planting on time was a challenge due to lack of capital to purchase inputs such as seeds and fertilizers. Today, with access to loans and market linkages, they are planting on time, producing more efficiently and earning better profits. This additional income has allowed households to diversify—expanding into livestock production, irrigated market gardening, and investing in their children’s education.

Sithembiso Banda, a female farmer, explained how timely support has empowered women. “Before, I struggled to find money for seed and fertilizer, and we always planted late. Now with the loans, I plant my crops on time, and the profits allow me to send my children to a better school. As women, we feel empowered because we are part of the decision-making and the progress in our households,” she said.

Geshom Dube, a male farmer and head of security at the irrigation scheme, echoed similar sentiments, “The revolving fund has given us a lifeline. With timely inputs, my wheat yields have improved, and I’ve managed to buy cattle and start an irrigated horticulture garden. This scheme is not just about crops—it is about improving our lives in every way.”

A notable achievement of the intervention is inclusivity, with 40% of beneficiaries being women. By placing women at the centre of production, the scheme is contributing to gender equality while boosting household resilience.

The Phaphamani Irrigation Scheme stands as a model of how government investment, development finance, and technical support from partners like FAO can unlock opportunities for smallholder farmers, strengthen national food security, and create brighter futures in rural Zimbabwe.