Story by Tendai Munengwa
ZIMBABWE’S agricultural transformation under the Second Republic continues to empower thousands of farmers who benefited from the Land Reform Programme, turning them into key players in ensuring national food security despite the impact of illegal Western sanctions imposed at the turn of the millennium.
Many observers note that while the land reform programme initially triggered sanctions, the coming in of the Second Republic under President Emmerson Mnangagwa has revolutionised the agricultural sector through programmes such as the Belarus Mechanisation Programme, which has equipped farmers with tractors and harvesters to maximise productivity.
One farmer expressed gratitude, saying the equipment has transformed their operations, “We want to thank the President for the tractors and harvesters. We can now produce enough food for our families.””
Another added, “By 2030, no farmer will be using a hoe. The vision of our President is helping us increase productivity.”
Zimbabwe Farmers Union (ZFU) Secretary General, Mr Paul Zakaria, said the mechanisation drive has been instrumental in cushioning the agriculture sector against the effects of sanctions.
“The high levels of production have played a pivotal role in countering the negative impact of sanctions. Thanks to the mechanisation programme introduced by the Second Republic, we can safely say we are now food secure,” said Mr Zakaria.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri, said the success of the agricultural sector is a testament to resilience and innovation in the face of adversity.
“There were prophets of doom who did not believe the land reform could succeed. We were blocked from accessing international funding, but through the engagement and re-engagement policy, the President brought in the Belarus Mechanisation Programme. Despite sanctions, our agriculture is now modernised, and farmers are breaking records in various crops, including wheat,” he said.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has designated October as Anti-Sanctions Month, recognising the region’s solidarity with Zimbabwe. As part of its anti-sanctions strategy, Zimbabwe has implemented several initiatives, including the Mechanisation Programme and Pfumvudza/Intwasa to restore its position as the breadbasket of Southern Africa.
