HARARE – Cabinet has urged farmers to adopt climate-smart agricultural practices as Zimbabwe faces increasing climate-related challenges that threaten food production.

In its report on developments in agriculture, Cabinet warned that Zimbabwe is expected to become progressively drier over the coming decades due to climate change.

According to the report, the country is likely to experience shorter rainfall seasons, uneven rainfall distribution, rising temperatures and increased outbreaks of pests and crop diseases, all of which could negatively affect agricultural production. 

To build resilience, Government is encouraging farmers to adopt climate-smart farming methods, particularly the Pfumvudza/Intwasa conservation agriculture model and irrigation development suited to each agro-ecological region.

Cabinet said these interventions are expected to improve crop yields, strengthen national food security and help farmers adapt to changing weather patterns while sustaining agricultural production.

Pfumvudza is a climate-smart conservation farming method that is being by farmers across Zimbabwe, it focuses on cultivating small, carefully managed plots to maximise crop yields while conserving soil moisture.  The approach uses precisely dug planting pits, mulching, targeted fertiliser application, and crop rotation to improve productivity, strengthen soil health and help farmers withstand the effects of drought and climate change. It is designed to make efficient use of limited land, labour, and farming inputs, contributing to improved household food security.

Notably, maize remains the cornerstone of national food security with production yields under Pfumvudza/Intwasa being higher than recorded under the conventional practice in Zimbabwe. For sure pfumvudza came and we have seen notable improvements in our harvest with this practise. says Micheal Murombedzi a farmer in Nyazura who have also shifted from the old ploughing practises.