Zimbabwe rallies global partners to tackle water pollution and protect agrifood systems

Harare - Zimbabwe convened its inaugural Water Summit in Harare, bringing together government officials, the United Nations, development partners and private sector stakeholders to confront the escalating challenge of water pollution and its far-reaching implications for agriculture, public health and economic development.

Organized by the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development in partnership with EcoVision, the summit was held under the theme “Water Pollution: Empowering the Economy Through a Sustainable Water Resource Network.”

The gathering provided a high-level platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange and coordinated action, with discussions centring on strengthening water governance, advancing climate resilience and safeguarding productive sectors that depend on reliable and clean water resources.

Water at the core of economic transformation

In a keynote address read on his behalf, Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Anxious Masuka, underscored the centrality of water to Zimbabwe’s development trajectory, describing it as a critical enabler of economic growth and national stability.

“Water underpins our agriculture, our industry, our health systems and the dignity of our people,” he said. “Without secure and clean water, there is no food security. Without food security, there is no social stability.”

He highlighted growing concerns over the contamination of surface water bodies due to industrial effluent, artisanal mining, urban wastewater and agricultural runoff, noting that these pressures are further exacerbated by climate variability.

“Water pollution is not an abstract environmental concern; it is an economic and public health emergency.”

At the same time, he emphasized that effective water stewardship presents an opportunity to unlock investment, expand irrigation and strengthen Zimbabwe’s agricultural productivity and competitiveness.

Climate change intensifying water challenges

Speaking on behalf of Edward Kallon the United Nations Resident Coordinator, UNESCO National Water Programme Specialist Muchaneta Munamati emphasized that water-related challenges in Zimbabwe are increasingly shaped by climate change, with more frequent droughts and severe flooding placing additional strain on already vulnerable water systems.

“Water is life. It nourishes our crops, powers our industries and sustains our communities,” said Edward Kallon

He noted that extreme weather events are contributing to declining water availability and increasing the risk of waterborne diseases, with significant implications for livelihoods and economic stability.

“Clean water underpins food security, public health and inclusive growth. It is central to achieving Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030,” added Kallon.

He further highlighted ongoing United Nations-supported initiatives, including early warning systems, resilience-building programmes and groundwater management projects, as critical components of the country’s response to water insecurity.

Agriculture on the frontline

The nexus between water quality and agricultural production was a central focus of the summit, particularly during the panel discussion on “Agriculture at Risk: The Burden of Contaminated Water on Agricultural Production.”

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations contributed to the discussion through its Land and Water Resources Management Specialist, George Andiego, who highlighted the direct impact of water pollution on agricultural systems.

George Andiego noted that declining water quality affects soil health, crop productivity and livestock, ultimately undermining rural livelihoods and food security.

“Agriculture is both a culprit contributing to water pollution and a victim of polluted water. When water quality declines, it is not just an environmental issue, it is a production and a public health issue,” George Andiego noted. “Farmers feel it immediately through lower yields, increased incidence of pests and diseases and reduced incomes.”

FAO’s ongoing work in Zimbabwe seeks to address these challenges through the promotion of climate-smart agriculture, rehabilitation of irrigation infrastructure and integrated land and water management approaches.

From dialogue to coordinated action

The summit also emphasized the importance of translating dialogue into concrete action. Through panel discussions, technical exhibitions and stakeholder engagements, participants explored practical solutions to improve water quality, strengthen regulatory frameworks and enhance community participation in water resource management.

A recurring theme was the need for a whole-of-society approach, combining policy reform, investment, technological innovation and behavioural change.

Reflecting this, the Minister stressed that sustainable water management requires collective responsibility and long-term commitment across all sectors of society.

A shared responsibility and opportunity

As Zimbabwe advances towards its Vision 2030 aspirations, the summit underscored that safeguarding water resources is both a development imperative and an opportunity to build resilience across sectors.

“Clean water is not a luxury. It is the foundation of health, food security, economic productivity and national dignity.”

Through strengthened partnerships between government, the United Nations, organizations such as FAO and local communities, Zimbabwe is laying the groundwork for more sustainable water management systems that support agricultural resilience, protect public health and drive inclusive economic growth.