• Zimbabwe’s irrigated land has surged by 46%, from 151,000 hectares in 2019 to 221,000 hectares in 2025, reflecting major strides in climate resilience and food security
• The growth is driven by major initiatives such as the US$1.2 billion Gwayi-Shangani Dam, accelerated dam construction, and Rural Development 8.0 programs
• Despite progress, funding delays, corruption, and execution inefficiencies persist, with only 20% of irrigation targets achieved in 2023–2024

Harare - Zimbabwe has recorded a 46% increase in irrigated land from 151,000 hectares in 2019 to 221,000 hectares in 2025 in a landmark stride toward climate resilience and national food security according to latest state of the nation address.

This expansion is attributed to sustained public investment in irrigation infrastructure, accelerated dam construction projects, and the scaling up of smallholder support schemes under the Rural Development 8.0 strategy.

The government has set a target to irrigate an additional 42,000 hectares by the end of 2025, anchored by flagship projects such as the US$1.2 billion Gwayi-Shangani Dam, which is currently estimated to be between 72% and 80% complete.

The project receives circa US$5 million in monthly disbursements and is expected to become a key irrigation and water supply source for Matabeleland North and parts of the Midlands Province.

Once operational, it will support the Food Deficit Mitigation Programme, targeting the production of 2.8 million tonnes of maize  a crucial buffer against food insecurity in drought-prone regions.

Agriculture remains the backbone of Zimbabwe’s economy, employing about 60% of the population and serving as the primary livelihood for rural communities. Yet, the sector has been severely tested by climate shocks, particularly the 2024 El Niño-induced drought, which slashed national crop yields by nearly 60%. Against this backdrop, irrigation has become central to agricultural policy, offering a lifeline to both smallholders and commercial farmers.

The Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme, now benefiting over three million households, has been instrumental in promoting climate-smart agriculture and improving productivity among smallholders.

Its integration with irrigation initiatives has helped cushion farmers from rainfall variability, marking a shift from subsistence to semi-commercial farming across several provinces.

The leap to 221,000 hectares of irrigated land marks a significant milestone toward Zimbabwe’s 496,000-hectare national irrigation target  a goal set under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and the Vision 2030 framework.

These gains could stabilize domestic food prices, reduce import dependence, and contribute to maintaining Zimbabwe’s US$10.4 billion trade surplus, recorded in 2024.

Despite visible progress, only 20% of irrigation targets were achieved during 2023–2024, highlighting structural weaknesses in project execution. Corruption, delayed funding disbursements, and procurement inefficiencies have slowed implementation timelines. Zimbabwe’s public debt, hovering between 48% and 56% of GDP, limits fiscal flexibility, and further reallocation of resources to irrigation may squeeze social spending unless complemented by private sector investment and improved transparency.

The country continues to rely heavily on maize imports, having spent US$1.2 billion on imports since 2021, including US$606 million in 2024 alone.

The recent reversal of the maize import ban  just two months after it was imposed illustrates the delicate balance between domestic production ambitions and food security realities.

The Rural Development 8.0 model, which integrates borehole drilling, village business units, and agro-industrial hubs, has emerged as a blueprint for inclusive agricultural transformation.

However, without rural electrification, mechanization, and transport logistics, productivity could plateau even with expanded irrigation coverage.

Going forward, Zimbabwe’s success will hinge on attracting private capital, enhancing accountability in public projects, and embedding climate resilience across all agricultural value chains.

The momentum in irrigation development offers a foundation though realizing the full potential of 496,000 hectares will depend on sustained political will, transparent financing, and a coherent long-term strategy that balances food security with fiscal prudence.

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