Zimbabwe urged to leverage horticulture for community resilience and development

A United Nations official has said the horticulture industry in Zimbabwe offers a significant opportunity for fostering community resilience and economic growth.

UN resident and humanitarian co-ordinator, Mr Edward Kallon, said the Government should integrate horticulture within broader agricultural strategies to strengthen community resilience and make significant progress towards an equitable, food-secure future.

“Community resilience in Zimbabwe, especially through agriculture and horticulture, is crucial for achieving the SDGs, especially those concerning poverty alleviation, zero hunger and economic growth,” he said.

Mr Kallon said increased investment in the high-yield industry can propel Zimbabwe exports, leveraging the Africa Continental Free Trade Area to expand markets besides the European Union, the United Kingdom and China.

European Union

He said there is a need to focus the horticulture sector on value addition through agro-processing to enhance the export potential of products, generate foreign currency and create employment opportunities.

“Strengthening local agricultural practices, leveraging horticulture, building community capacities, policy and institutional support as well as enhancing food systems remain key perspectives to facilitate the adoption of horticulture as part of the Food Systems strategy,” he said.

Mr Kallon urged farmers to reduce the wastage of their produce by adopting suitable technologies, which he said assists in enhancing efficiency and output.

He called for cross-sector partnerships between the Government, private entities and civil society, saying bridging the financial gap and driving meaningful progress is essential.

Through partnerships, capacity building and investments aligned with national priorities, he said Zimbabwe can catalyse the rapid transformation needed to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). — New Ziana