Story by Tapiwa Machemedze
AGRICULTURAL extension officers from across the country have pledged support for the national development agenda following the launch of Madhumeni/Abalimisi for Agricultural Transformation, an initiative aimed at strengthening mobilisation efforts and driving economic growth through agriculture.
The grouping was officially launched in Mazowe on Saturday and is aligned with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s development vision, marking increased participation by agricultural professionals in national transformation programmes.
Speaking at the launch, Madhumeni/Abalimisi for Agricultural Transformation National Chairperson, Cde Peter Neyeredzi said the new ZANU PF affiliate was committed to working closely with the ruling party to advance programmes that promote economic empowerment and community development.
“We have extension officers from all over the country, such as Madhumeni/Abalimisi, and we have come to fulfil the wishes of Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa. We have a national program of economic empowerment mobilisation and community upliftment,” he said.
ZANU PF Commissariat Director, Cde Kizito Kuchekwa who represented National Political Commissar Cde Munyaradzi Machacha, said the involvement of extension officers would strengthen grassroots mobilisation due to their extensive reach within rural communities.
“Our President says Zimbabwe is open for business, and extension officers have grabbed that opportunity. I know you have grassroots representation, so we are happy if we work with you, we will have a wide reach,” he said.
Extension officers who attended the launch said they were committed to supporting national development efforts and mobilising communities around key agricultural and economic programmes.
“We have come for this important launch because we believe we have a role to play in pursuing development and spreading the message of our ruling party in our local communities,” one participant said.
Another attendee said the initiative reflected their confidence in the President’s vision for the country.
“We support the ruling party as extension officers, that is why we are rallying behind this affiliate. We support the vision of our President.”
Officials said Madhumeni/Abalimisi for Agricultural Transformation will focus on empowering farmers, improving agricultural productivity and aligning grassroots agricultural activities with broader national economic objectives.
The development comes amid growing participation by professionals in supporting national transformation programmes, particularly in the agriculture sector. Since the launch of the affiliate framework, more than 200 groups have applied to work with the ruling party in support of development initiatives and mobilisation efforts.
