Staff Reporter
Madagascar's Minister of Foreign Affairs, RasataRafaravavitafika has hailed Zimbabwe’s development strategy as a model her country seeks to learn from, particularly in agricultural transformation and waste management.
She expressed this sentiment during a meeting at her offices this morning with the Head of the ZimbabweanGovernment delegation, Deputy Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Engineer Amos Marawa.
The meeting, held in Madagascar's capital, is part of efforts to foster bilateral cooperation between the two countries. The Zimbabwean delegation, which includes senior management from GeoPomona Waste Management, is engaging various Government departments and agencies in Madagascar to explore areas of collaboration, especially in modern waste management systems.
Minister Rafaravavitafika emphasized the importance of Zimbabwe's innovative agricultural policies, citing the Pfumvunza/Intwasa Program as a key area Madagascar aims to replicate in its rural farming communities.
“Zimbabwe has managed to implement transformative policies in agriculture, which have not only enhanced food security but also empowered rural farmers. We believe there is much for us to learn, especially from their Pfumvunza/Intwasa Program, which has shown significant results.
“This program is particularly impressive because it takes into account the realities of smallholder farmers, encouraging them to use minimal inputs while achieving higher productivity. It is this ability to make the most of limited resources that we find most valuable for our own rural communities,” Rafaravavitafika said .
Speaking on behalf of the Zimbabwean delegation, Engineer Amos Marawa highlighted the importance of regional cooperation and the potential for sharing Zimbabwe’s development experiences with neighboring countries.
“Zimbabwe’s journey towards agricultural self-sufficiency and waste management innovation is one we are proud to share with Madagascar. Our focus has been on sustainable and transformative initiatives that tackle both food security and environmental challenges head-on,” Marawa said.
He further noted that Zimbabwe’s success lies in its ability to tailor its development initiatives to the needs of its people, a strategy that could be adapted by other African nations.
“Through programs like Pfumvunza/Intwasa, we’ve been able to boost productivity in rural areas, reduce reliance on imports, and create a more resilient agricultural sector. These are practical solutions that can be customized to meet Madagascar’s specific needs. Our discussions here are focused on how we can support one another in our respective development journeys,” Marawa added.
The delegation's visit to Madagascar comes after the 44th SADC Summit, where Zimbabwe’s approach to agricultural development drew regional attention.
With Madagascar keen to adapt such policies and innovations, the relationship between the two countries is expected to deepen, especially as they collaborate on solutions to common developmental challenges.
