NEC Agric Pushes for Greater Participation of Persons with Disabilities

Inclusion Takes Root in Agriculture…

By Shingirai Vambe

Harare-The issue of inclusion continues to dominate conversations across Zimbabwe’s social and economic sectors, with growing recognition that meaningful progress cannot be achieved while leaving anyone behind. In recent years, the government has taken bold steps toward implementing policies that promote equality and inclusion for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), ensuring that they are not excluded from the country’s economic value chain.

Once relegated to the margins of society and often dependent on handouts or begging for survival, PWDs are now finding space in the nation’s broader development agenda. The transition, however, has not been without its challenges. Deep-seated stigma and systemic exclusion still exist, but society is gradually adapting to the government’s inclusive policies, fostering coexistence and empowerment across communities. The results are becoming visible, reduced poverty levels, improved livelihoods, and a stronger sense of dignity among people with disabilities.

During a recent two-day training workshop held in Harare, National Employment Council (NEC) for Agriculture Chief Executive Officer David Madyausiku made an impassioned call for inclusion within the agricultural sector. Addressing Designated Agents, Councillors, and Trade Union representatives drawn from across the country, Madyausiku emphasised the urgent need to integrate PWDs into mainstream agricultural activities and institutional frameworks.

“We have managed to work on our Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and have it translated into other official languages in Zimbabwe, but we want to go further,” said Madyausiku.

*Post On Sunday reporter, Steven Ephraem, interviewing PWD during the 2023 election in Nyanga, Nyamaropa. Pic by Shingirai Vambe*

“I don’t see any man or woman in a wheelchair here, or anyone using sign language. Take note, this is a constituency that has long been excluded, and we must make sure that Persons with Disabilities are included in our day-to-day business in the agricultural sector.”

His remarks drew applause from participants, many of whom acknowledged that inclusion has often been treated as an afterthought in both policy implementation and workplace practice. Madyausiku went on to echo President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s mantra, “leaving no one and no place behind”, calling it not just a political slogan but a developmental imperative that must be reflected in every sector of the economy.

He highlighted how the agriculture industry, one of Zimbabwe’s largest contributors to GDP and employment, has expanded significantly, creating opportunities that PWDs should also access. “The industry has grown so big, contributing immensely to the economy,” he said. “Persons with Disabilities can also be large-scale commercial farmers, designated agents, trade unionists, and councillors. Their participation is not a favour, it is a right and an opportunity for collective growth.”

Madyausiku’s comments come at a time when the national conversation around disability inclusion is gaining traction, with several government ministries and private organisations revisiting their internal policies to ensure accessibility and equal participation. Within the agricultural sector, inclusion is particularly crucial, not only for equity but also for innovation and resilience in an industry that relies heavily on diverse human capital.

The NEC Agriculture’s commitment to translating its agreements and communications into multiple languages, including those accessible to PWDs, represents a practical step toward bridging long-standing communication and accessibility barriers.

Stakeholders at the workshop agreed that true inclusion must go beyond policy statements. It requires deliberate structural adjustments, from accessible training facilities and adapted farm machinery to fair representation in leadership positions.