Story by Tendai Munengwa
ZIMBABWE has taken a significant step towards strengthening national food security after the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) met its target of planting 100 000 hectares of grain, a milestone expected to bolster the country’s Strategic Grain Reserves.
The achievement aligns with government priorities under the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), which places food security at the centre of economic stability and growth.
ARDA’s progress has been driven largely by its contract farming and joint venture model, which has seen the authority partnering with commercial and emerging farmers across the country. In Mashonaland West’s Banket area, young commercial farmer Lenon Mugariri is among those benefiting from the programme.
Mugariri said the ARDA contract had enabled him to plant 280 hectares of maize, with sorghum planting currently underway, after receiving inputs on time.
“The ARDA contract has allowed us to plan properly and plant on schedule. The crops are doing well because inputs were delivered timeously. This programme gives confidence that food security is achievable,” he said.
“I am thankful and grateful of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s vision to empower us. This vehicle, ARDA contract, is super perfect, I have put 280 hectares of maize and currently planting sorghum. We got our inputs on time, and this flourishing crop is the result of ARDA programme. I am confident that food security is guaranteed with this contract,” Mugariri said.
Introduced three years ago, the ARDA contract farming model has already played a key role in Zimbabwe’s wheat production rebound, contributing to increased output and reduced reliance on imports.
ARDA board chairperson Ivan Craig said the authority was on course to meet government targets for national grain reserves.
“The programme has proved to be a success. Farmers are doing very well as we give them inputs on time. President Mnangagwa has tasked us to ensure food security and we are on track. We have a target of 100 000 hectares of grain for the national strategic grain reserves. We produced over 300 tonnes and all-in-all, we target to produce 840 000 tonnes of grain,” Mr Craig said.
Government data shows that more than 3 000 joint venture agreements have been signed between farmers and contractors under the ARDA model, which focuses on input support, productivity and guaranteed off-take.
Authorities say the initiative is transforming agricultural production and positioning Zimbabwe to reclaim its status as a regional food producer, while strengthening resilience against climate shocks and market volatility.
