Staff Reporter

Smallholder farmers in selected provinces across the country are set to benefit from grants of up to US$20 000 for agricultural projects under the Smallholder Agriculture Cluster Project (SACP). 

This Government-led initiative aims to foster market-driven, climate-resilient agriculture and is part of a broader effort to modernise and enhance the country’s agricultural sector.

The SACP, a six-year program running from 2021 to 2027, is being spearheaded by the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, in collaboration with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID). 

The project focuses on 18 districts in five provinces, namely Matabeleland North, Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland East, Mashonaland West, and parts of the Midlands.

Dr. Godfrey Nehanda, SACP’s national project coordinator, outlined the initiative's three core components: value chain development, the formation of agricultural producer groups, and the empowerment of micro and small enterprises.

“The project’s focus is on value chain mobilisation, identifying key enterprises, and establishing agricultural producer groups, with 50 percent of participants being women and 30 percent youth. Our aim is to build the capacity of these groups to enhance production and productivity,” Dr. Nehanda explained. 

A significant aspect of the initiative involves collaboration with the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) and partner financial institutions to introduce a line of credit and matching grants for smallholder farmers. 

The grants, provided on an 80:20 matching ratio, will see SACP contributing 80 percent of the required funding while beneficiaries provide the remaining 20 percent. Grants range from US$15 000 to US$20000.

“We are also helping smallholder farmers create business plans to attract funding. These plans are supported by the RBZ’s line of credit, administered through partner financial institutions,” added Dr. Nehanda.

The program’s infrastructure component will rehabilitate 1 780 hectares of irrigation systems, install drip irrigation facilities, and construct protective fencing. 

Additionally, “last-mile feeder roads” connecting rural areas to major markets will be improved, with up to 89 kilometres targeted for rehabilitation.

Another focus area is water access. SACP is working with the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) and the Rural Development Agency to drill and solarise boreholes, complete with 10 000-liter tanks and facilities for drinking troughs, washing basins, and potable water points.

“We are introducing climate-smart agricultural practices to complement the government’s broader efforts. This includes addressing drought-related challenges through innovative measures,” said Dr. Nehanda.

The project is also developing a contingency component, enabling funders to respond effectively to emergencies such as droughts. 

In collaboration with Agritex, ZINWA, and the Irrigation Department, SACP is ensuring efficient implementation in all targeted regions. 

Initial work has already begun in Matabeleland North Province, with borehole capacity testing underway in other provinces to identify additional sites for the next phase.

By empowering smallholder farmers with financial support, infrastructure, and climate-smart solutions, Government and its partners aim to enhance food security, improve livelihoods, and strengthen resilience against climate change. 

This initiative underscores the Second Republic’s commitment to agricultural transformation as a cornerstone of national development.