ZIMBABWE can transform its agricultural and industrial sectors by introducing measures and undertaking research in line with the climate change phenomenon, Acting President Constantino Chiwenga has said.
He said Cabinet recently considered a proposed National Climate Change Adaptation Plan, which aimed to provide a framework for adaptation, mitigation and financing climate change effects reduction.
Addressing the inaugural Research for Agricultural Excellence Indaba at the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show yesterday, Chiwenga said the plan proposed to have 1% of national research funding channelled towards climate change-related research.
The conference was running under the theme: Research and Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Agri-business Development.
Chiwenga said President Emmerson Mnangagwa pronounced the strategic direction for the transformation of the country’s agricultural sector through the Agriculture Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy and Agriculture Recovery Plan.
“The plan is broadly anchored on improving animal health, genetics and nutrition, among others. The role of research in this matrix is to proffer innovative, scientific and actionable solutions to support this strategy,” he said.
“I challenge you all to transform the agricultural landscape, through harnessing the power of research that delves deep into the complexities of our farming systems.
“Therefore, there is need for research that provides solutions to our production and productivity challenges, animal diseases as well as increased revenue generation through import substitution.”
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Chiwenga said there was a need for pragmatic research that informs the policies and programmes that shaped the future of the agricultural sector.
He said there were critical issues in the sector which needed to be led and driven by scientific research.
“It is pertinent that we redirect our research efforts to solve contemporary and emerging challenges in the agricultural sector,” he said.
Chiwenga called on policymakers to embrace the power of research, create conditions for innovation to thrive while ensuring that their decisions are grounded in evidence and guided by the needs of farmers and communities.
“By so doing, we can realise the transformative potential of Zimbabwean agriculture, not just for today, but for the generations that will follow,” he said.
