Empowering the unsung heroes: How strategic partnerships are transforming farming futures for women and youth in Zimbabwe

Bulawayo, Zimbabwe – In the heart of Africa's agricultural heartland, a quiet revolution is taking root. Spearheaded by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the African Development Bank (AfDB), and the Government of Zimbabwe, the Seed Revolving Fund (SRF) is not just a financial lifeline, it's a beacon of empowerment for women and youth, who are reshaping the nation's food security landscape amid global crises.

At a vibrant side event during the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, over 50 stakeholders gathered to celebrate the SRF's transformative power. This initiative, embedded within the Zimbabwe Emergency Food Production Project (ZEFPP) and funded through AfDB's African Emergency Food Production Facility (AEFPF), addresses the mounting threats of climate change, conflicts, and the enduring scars of the COVID-19 pandemic. In a country where agriculture is the backbone of the economy, the SRF is cultivating a new era of inclusivity, providing certified seed loans to farmers and prioritizing women - who are set to receive 40 percent of the funds - as key drivers of sustainable development.

At the side event in Bulawayo, speakers highlighted how the SRF is bridging historical gaps, empowering those who have long been overlooked. "This fund is an investment to Zimbabwe's agricultural future," declared Tendai Munyokoveri, Assistant FAO Representative - Programmes. "It's about giving women and youth the tools to not just survive, but thrive, fostering economic independence and innovative farming practices that will echo for generations."

Shattering barriers: women at the forefront of agricultural innovation

Zimbabwe's agricultural sector is a paradox of potential and inequality. Women make up nearly 60 percent of the workforce, toiling in subsistence and commercial farming while ensuring household food security. Yet, they hold only about 20 percent of land titles and face hurdles in accessing seeds, fertilizers, credit, and lucrative markets. This disparity translates to lower incomes and heightened vulnerability, especially for young women venturing into agro-processing.

The SRF directly tackles these inequities by offering affordable loans for high-quality certified seeds. This boost in productivity is a game-changer, enabling women-led cooperatives to form and flourish. Farmers previously limited to hand-me-down seeds, are now accessing finance to plant resilient seed varieties. With concessional interest rates and guaranteed market access through the Grain Marketing Board (GMB), these farmers are turning small plots into profitable ventures.

The program's group lending model further minimizes risks for smallholder farmers, encouraging timely practices like climate-smart techniques. Repayment rates exceeding 90 percent underscore its sustainability, as beneficiaries repay loans with harvested crops, keeping the cycle of empowerment alive. As Tendai Munyokoveri passionately stated, "The SRF is a catalyst for change, arming women and youth with financial tools and training to lead in agriculture. By enhancing access to resources and markets, we're nurturing innovation and self-reliance in every community."

This initiative isn't just about seeds; it's about sowing seeds of equality. Women farmers are reporting higher yields and incomes. The ripple effects are profound: increased household nutrition, reduced poverty, and a surge in youth participation, drawing a new generation away from urban migration and into the fields.

Collaboration and impact: the pillars of a resilient nation

The SRF's success is built on robust partnerships. The Agritex, AFC Land and Development Bank, and FAO work in tandem to provide not only seeds but also comprehensive support, including training on sustainable farming and access to additional inputs. Regular monitoring ensures accountability, while the AFC's role in extending finance beyond seeds amplifies the program's reach.

Lightwell Chapungu, a senior manager at AFC Land and Development Bank shared staggering figures during the event: "We've empowered over 13 000 farmers with quality seeds and resources, sparking a transformative shift towards agricultural entrepreneurship. Nearly 40 percent of participants are women and youth, creating over 35 000 indirect beneficiaries and bolstering national food security."

Zwelo Ndebele, the ZEFPP project coordinator, added, "This isn't just about immediate harvests; it's about building resilient communities. By promoting sustainable practices and market access, the SRF ensures women and youth can craft stable futures, even in the face of economic storms."

The results speak for themselves. In the past year, the SRF has expanded land under wheat and maize production, with women's loan uptake surpassing targets. Yields per hectare have soared, contributing to Zimbabwe's broader goal of self-sufficiency. 

Harvesting a brighter tomorrow: the road ahead

The SRF exemplifies how targeted investments can ignite widespread change, turning challenges into opportunities. For Zimbabwe, this means a more food-secure future, where women and youth are not mere participants but architects of progress.

Yet, the journey is ongoing. Expanding the fund's reach, scaling up training, and addressing broader systemic issues will be crucial. As global pressures mount, initiatives like the SRF offer a blueprint for resilience—one that other nations can emulate.

In the words of Tendai Munyokoveri, "The Seed Revolving Fund is more than a program; by empowering women and youth, Zimbabwe is not just growing crops, it's cultivating a legacy of hope, innovation, and unbreakable spirit. As the nation sows these seeds today, it reaps a harvest of empowerment tomorrow.