Water, Markets, and Hope – The New Lifeline for Zimbabwe’s Rural Farmers

By Shingirai Vambe

More than 350 smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe are set to tap into global markets, thanks to a new initiative linking irrigation schemes with private sector buyers, financiers, and technology providers.

Backed by the Government of Zimbabwe, the Green Climate Fund (GCF), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the programme is opening doors for farmers in Manicaland, Masvingo, and Matabeleland South to expand beyond local trade, boost incomes, and build climate resilience.

The initiative is part of the seven-year Climate Resilience Livelihoods (CRL) project, which supports over 2.3 million people to adapt to climate change. With irrigation as a cornerstone of climate-smart agriculture, the programme features private sector dialogues and farmer learning days to strengthen market linkages, showcase innovative technologies, and promote sustainable practices.

“These dialogues are a vital step in connecting smallholder irrigation farmers with private sector buyers, financial institutions, and input suppliers,” said Rungano Benza, CRL Project Manager. “By linking production with profitable markets, we are ensuring that farmers can sustainably increase yields, incomes, and resilience.”

The programme combines business-to-farmer dialogues, where buyers and financiers share opportunities for contract farming and value chain integration, with look-and-learn field days showcasing technologies such as solar-powered irrigation, drip systems, and soil and water conservation practices.

Gender equity is central, with deliberate efforts to ensure women farmers are empowered to benefit from new market opportunities.

More than 350 participants are expected across the three provinces, including irrigation management committees, local leaders, extension officers, and private sector partners ranging from insurers, banks, and microfinance institutions to input suppliers, off-takers, transporters, and climate-smart technology companies.

The initiative is set to deliver wide-ranging benefits for farming communities. By strengthening links with buyers, financiers, and technology providers, smallholder farmers will gain access to profitable markets, improve their irrigation practices, and adopt climate-smart technologies. This will boost yields, increase incomes, and enhance food and water security while ensuring women farmers are fully included in new opportunities. Beyond the farms, the programme will foster stronger value chain integration, create jobs, and establish long-term business partnerships that contribute to resilient livelihoods and inclusive economic growth.

This initiative directly supports Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 1 by strengthening agricultural productivity, building resilient livelihoods, and fostering inclusive growth. It also advances progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on food security, gender equality, and climate action. By promoting sustainable irrigation, forging long-term business partnerships, and enhancing value chain integration, the programme underscores UNDP’s commitment to advancing climate-resilient development and ensuring that no one is left behind