Why spray races are crucial during drought
By Chipo Tachiona Tick-borne diseases present a significant threat to cattle health, particularly during periods of drought when the usual challenges of livestock management are compounded by environmental stressors. This year, Zimbabwe experienced an El-Nino-induced drought. His Excellency, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has since declared drought a state of national disaster. The government has…
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Treating farming as business key
By Cliff Chiduku Agriculture has historically been a backbone of the Zimbabwean economy. The sector contributes significantly to the country’s Gross Domestic Product, employment creation and food and nutrition security. Over the years, Zimbabwe’s agriculture has been highly productive and at some point, the country was known as the “breadbasket of Africa”, exporting…
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Net effect of drought on cotton sector
By Tapiwa Mutonda Last week, the 2023/24 cotton marketing season was officially opened. The season will last for one month. The season comes against a backdrop of the El Nino-induced droughts that led to reduced cotton yields and quality. As expected, the season will be one month long. The cropping season has…
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Ankole cattle: Exceptional and unique breed
By Chipo Tachiona Climate change, characterised by rising global temperatures, erratic weather patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events, poses a significant threat to agricultural systems worldwide. Zimbabwe, whose economy is anchored on agriculture, is bearing the brunt of climate shift. The government has been pulling no stops to make sure Zimbabwe’s…
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Market linkages key for rural industrialisation
By Cliff Chiduku In 2021, the government launched the Presidential Rural Development Programme. The programme is part of the Government’s Rural Development 8.0 initiative whose other components include the Pfumvudza/Intwasa, Presidential Cotton Input Scheme, Presidential Goat Scheme, Presidential Fisheries Scheme, Presidential Tick Grease Scheme, Presidential Poultry Scheme, Presidential Borehole Drilling Scheme, Vision…
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Sweet potatoes could boost food security
By Simon Pande The production of sweet potatoes in Zimbabwe has been on a steady increase over recent years. This can be attributed to its low cost of production and more importantly its resilience and ability to withstand low moisture levels. With the adverse weather effects associated with the El Nino phenomenon, sweet…
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Building resilient food system with beekeeping
By Cliff Chiduku/Terence Chambati In the heart of Southern Africa lies Zimbabwe, a nation rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage, but because of climate change, it is grappling with food security challenges. The government has put in place measures to make sure no one starves. This is after President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared…
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Low hanging fruits in coffee farming
By Samson Tarusenga Zimbabwe pins its hopes on agriculture, mining, tourism, and manufacturing industries among other, to realize Vision 2030 – of achieving a prosperous and empowered upper middle-income society. The agriculture Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is now aimed to become a USD13.75 billion industry by 2025 after it grew from US$5,6 billion…
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