By Wallace Mawire
The Government of Zimbabwe, the Green Climate Fund and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are helping smallholder farmers in southern Zimbabwe strengthen climate resilience, expand irrigation, improve market access and adopt smarter farming practices through the Climate Resilient Livelihoods Project. The latest project update shows strong progress in irrigation development, women’s leadership, climate information services and renewable energy integration.
Across project-supported irrigation schemes, farmers are increasingly moving from subsistence farming to more market-oriented production, with partnerships involving Seed Co, Eltusk Trading, the Chilli Pepper Company and Valley Seeds. At Vimbanayi Irrigation Scheme, chilli farmers are already harvesting more than three tonnes per day, while other schemes are scaling up maize, sugar beans, wheat and green mealies production.
Major infrastructure milestones have also been recorded. In Umzingwane District, work is advancing at Mzinyathini Irrigation Scheme, where 45 hectares are being climate-proofed through improved irrigation systems and a hybrid solar-ZESA power system. In Bikita District, the 74-hectare Rusununguko Irrigation Scheme is nearing completion and is expected to strengthen water security, year-round production and household incomes.
The project is also strengthening inclusive governance. More than 800 farmers have been trained through the Women in Irrigation Management Committee Leadership Empowerment Programme, with women’s participation increasing from 61 percent in Phase 1 to 65 percent in Phase 2. Knowledge of positive leadership rose from 55 percent to 82 percent, helping improve transparency, accountability and decision-making across irrigation schemes.
At the same time, the project is expanding access to climate information. Training with technical institutions is improving the use of satellite and gridded climate data for drought monitoring, irrigation planning and early warning, while radio programmes in local languages are helping farmers access practical advice on weather, planting and water management.
The project also recently shared Zimbabwe’s experience at the 2026 SADC Sustainable Energy Week, highlighting lessons on renewable energy for climate-resilient agriculture and the value of regional knowledge exchange.
The Climate Resilient Livelihoods Project continues to demonstrate how partnership, community ownership and practical investment can help rural communities withstand climate shocks and unlock sustainable development opportunities.
