ZIMBABWE is advancing its commitment to agro-ecology, a sustainable farming model that promises to bolster climate resilience and enhance food security amid rising climate-related challenges.
With frequent droughts, biodiversity loss and unpredictable climate patterns threatening crop yields, agro-ecology offers a viable path towards a sustainable agricultural future.
Agriculture ministry secretary Obert Jiri emphasised the importance of agro-ecology in transforming Zimbabwe’s food systems.
“Agro-ecology is an integrated and holistic approach, capable of producing diverse, affordable foods while conserving biodiversity and natural resources,” he said.
Jiri said the shift towards agro-ecological practices was particularly empowering for small-scale producers, including women and youths.
“By merging ecological principles, traditional knowledge and modern science, agro-ecological methods are environmentally sustainable, socially equitable and economically viable,” he said.
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Jiri said the adoption of agro-ecology represented more than just climate resilience as it enabled communities to achieve self-sufficiency, reducing reliance on expensive external inputs.
This approach fosters local innovation, allowing farmers to integrate traditional practices with modern techniques tailored to their specific environments.
Economist Prosper Chitambara underscored the advantages of agro-ecology, noting its far-reaching impact.
“Agro-ecology is a holistic approach that goes beyond conventional farming. It promotes practices that are productive and sustainable, safeguarding the natural resources on which agriculture depends,” he said.
Zimbabwe recently launched the Agro-ecology Promotion Policy and Strategy to support the country’s transition to sustainable agriculture.
This initiative provides a framework for implementing agro-ecological practices nationwide, aligning with global sustainability goals in the face of climate change.
Zimbabwe has not been spared by the harsh effects of climate change, with the country receiving normal to below normal rainfall in the 2023/24 rainy season as a result of the El Niño phenomenon, leading to the drought that devastated the whole country.