Zimbabwe projects massive rebound in maize output to ease food insecurity
Addressing a post-cabinet media briefing on Tuesday in the Zimbabwean capital of Harare, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Jenfan Muswere said the southern African country is expecting maize output to rebound to 2,928,206 metric tons this year, up from last year's 635,000 metric tons, thanks to improved rainfall.
Maize is a major crop in Zimbabwe, which has an annual grain requirement of about 2.2 million metric tons.
The minister said that resources will continue to be provided to the Grain Marketing Board, the country's leading grain trading and marketing entity, to facilitate payments for grain deliveries by farmers.
Last year, Zimbabwe was hit by one of the worst El Nino-induced droughts in decades, which cut cereal production by 77 percent and left 60 percent of the country's population food insecure, according to the government.
In April last year, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared a state of disaster over the drought and appealed for more than three billion U.S. dollars to respond to the drought crisis.
With a recovering agricultural industry in sight, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the World Food Program have recently removed Zimbabwe from their hunger hotspots list. ■
© Copyright The Zimbabwean. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
19 hours ago
- Zawya
Sheikh Saeed bin Saqr Al Qasimi inaugurates Mango Festival 2025 at Expo Khorfakkan
Sharjah: Sheikh Saeed bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Deputy Chief of Sharjah Ruler's Office in Khorfakkan, inaugurated yesterday, Friday, the 4th edition of the annual Mango Festival 2025, which is taking place at Expo Khorfakkan. Held under the theme "Mango: Our Fruit, Our Wealth", the three-day festival is being organised by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), in collaboration with the Municipal Council of Khorfakkan and Khorfakkan City Municipality. This year's edition is the most notable to date, featuring the participation of more than 33 farmers and several companies specialising in agriculture and fertilization. The festival also hosts delegations from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Pakistan, and Uganda. The opening ceremony was attended by H.E. Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of SCCI; H.E. Mohammed Saeed Al Nuaimi, Undersecretary of the UAE's Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE); H.E. Dr. Muhammad Abdullah Al-Murr Alnaqbi, Chairman of the Municipal Council of KhorFakkan; H.E. Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Ambassador of Pakistan to the UAE; and H.E. Counselor Abdul Wahab Al Hammadi, Vice Chairman of the Khorfakkan Municipal Council, in addition to members and heads of municipal councils in Sharjah. Also present were H.E. Mohammed Ahmed Amin Al Awadi, Director-General of SCCI; H.E. Hussain Muhammad, Consul-General of Pakistan in Dubai and the Northern Emirates; H.E. Eng. Abdulrahman Abdullah Al Naqbi, Director of Khorfakkan Municipality; and Abdul Aziz Al Shamsi, Assistant Director-General for Communication and Business Sector at SCCI. Also in attendance were Khalil Mohammed Al-Mansouri, Director of Expo Khorfakkan; Dr. Syed Muhammad Tahir, Chairman of the Pakistan Business Council; and Dr. Mohammed Khalfan Al Naqbi, Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Annual Khorfakkan Mango Festival; along with directors of federal and local government entities in Khorfakkan. After the inauguration, Sheikh Saeed bin Saqr Al Qasimi, accompanied by the attendees, toured the festival exhibition, where farmers from across the UAE showcased over 150 varieties of mango. He was also briefed on Khorfakkan and the Eastern Region's key agricultural products, demonstrating the significant progress in mango cultivation as well as the sector's increasing relevance as a key economic driver for the emirate of Sharjah. In his remarks, H.E. Abdallah Sultan Al Owais stated that the Mango Festival has made a significant leap by attracting international participation, facilitating the exchange of the best global practices in mango farming. 'Our goal this year is to bring the theme 'Mango: Our Fruit, Our Wealth' to life by equipping farmers with innovative tools, encouraging the adoption of smart and sustainable agriculture, and moving from simply increasing output to improving product competitiveness in the market,' he added. For his part, H.E. Dr. Muhammad Abdullah Al-Murr Alnaqbi highlighted the Municipal Council's commitment to supporting local farmers, promoting eco-tourism, creating new job opportunities for youth, and advancing traditional industries and artisanal crafts that define Khorfakkan's unique identity. Khalil Mohammed Al Mansouri noted that the Mango Festival encourages a new generation of agricultural entrepreneurs to carry forward their forefathers' legacy using innovation and future-ready tools. He affirmed that the festival has succeeded in attracting interest from beyond the UAE, strengthening Khorfakkan and the Eastern Region's position as a unique agri-tourism destination. This proves that cultural preservation can serve as a strong catalyst for sustainable growth and economic development. This year's edition of the Mango Festival features the participation of several leading agricultural companies that showcases their latest innovations and technologies, in addition to the strong presence of local farmers and productive families. It offers visitors the opportunity to purchase premium mango seedlings and other agricultural plants, while also providing insights into the diverse applications of mango fruit. This edition is held in collaboration with key strategic partners, including the Kalba-based Al Sharqiya TV, the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), the Sharjah Institute for Heritage (SIH), Bee'ah, and the Department of Social Services. It features a diverse lineup of activities and events, including live heritage-themed performances and expert-led agricultural workshops, in addition to dedicated family zones and interactive learning areas for children to ensure the event caters to all age groups. Day one of the festival kicked off with the 'Best Farmer's Display' competition, running throughout the event and judged by public vote, with a requirement for each booth to present at least five mango varieties. The opening day also featured the 'Mango Mazayna' (the most beautiful mango) and the 'Largest Mango' competitions, both held in a lively atmosphere of friendly rivalry among farmers. Today, Saturday, the festival will be hosting the 'Most Beautiful Mango Basket' competition dedicated for families, while the closing day will spotlight youth involvement with the 'Best Agriculture-themed Video' contest, aimed at children aged 7 to 12. The festival awards valuable prizes to winners of its competitions, with the chance to win through daily raffle draws featuring a variety of rewards and giveaways. Open daily from 4:30 PM to 10:00 PM, the festival offers a rich program of economic and commercial activities, traditional folk performances, and a wide array of culturally engaging contests, making it an ideal destination for entertainment, learning, and community engagement. For further information, please contact: - Ali Elgendy Misbar Communications ali@ Ahmad Aldwairi Misbar Communications
Zawya
19 hours ago
- Zawya
Saudi Fund for Development signs development loan agreement to enhance infrastructure sector in Tunisia
Tunisia: The Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), H.E. Sultan Al-Marshad, signed today a new development loan agreement with H.E. Dr. Samir Abdelhafidh, Minister of Economy and Planning of the Republic of Tunisia, to finance the establishment of an Oasis Hub Project in southern Tunisia. The loan, exceeding USD 38 million, was signed in the presence of H.E. Dr. Abdulaziz bin Ali Al-Saqr, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Tunisia. This agreement reflects the strong development partnership that has spanned nearly 50 years between the two sides. The Oasis Hub Project aims to support sustainable rural development through the reclamation of more than 1,000 hectares of agricultural land across various regions in Tunisia. The project includes the drilling and equipping of 22 wells, the expansion of rural villages and their infrastructure, and the construction of over 285 housing units for local beneficiaries. Additionally, the project will enhance the region's infrastructure by building roads, pipelines, and networks for potable and irrigation water, while also supporting the development of educational institutions, agricultural facilities, and cultural, social, and commercial centers. These efforts collectively aim to improve the quality of life and stimulate economic and social growth in Tunisia's southern governorates. This agreement is part of SFD's ongoing efforts to promote sustainable development in Tunisia by financing infrastructure projects that contribute to improving living standards, creating job opportunities, and supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Since the inception of its operations in Tunisia in 1975, SFD has financed 32 development projects and programs, through concessional loans totaling more than USD 1.2 billion, in addition to grants provided by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through SFD amounting to over USD 105 million.
Zawya
2 days ago
- Zawya
Powering Women's Economic Transformation in Tanzania
In Kigoma, Tanzania, where over 80 per cent of livelihoods rely on small-scale farming, fishing, and informal trade, women constitute the majority of the agricultural workforce and are the backbone of the region's economy. However, in an increasingly digital economy, limited digital literacy remains a major barrier to unlocking women's full economic potential, with many women in the region lacking the necessary skills to use mobile platforms, digital financial services, or online marketplaces, impeding the growth and formalization of women-led businesses. Amid these challenges, women like Chichi Ramadhani Kamandwa are increasingly harnessing digital tools to grow their businesses. A 39-year-old mother of three and a determined entrepreneur living in Kigoma town, Kamandwa runs a small-scale agro-processing business specializing in the milling and packaging of maize, cassava, and nutrient-rich flours. In 2024, she participated in a Digital Literacy and Branding workshop organized by UN Women to equip women entrepreneurs in the region with practical skills to expand their businesses and access wider markets through digital platforms. The initiative formed part of the second phase of the UN Kigoma Joint Programme (KJP II) - a collaborative effort of 17 UN agencies working with local authorities and communities to advance development and human security in Kigoma - and engaged beneficiaries of UN Women's "Binti Dijitali" African Girls Can Code Initiative (AGCCI), who facilitated sessions with hands-on technical expertise and peer-led guidance. 'Before the training, I only used my phone for calls and taking pictures. I didn't know it could be a marketing tool for my business, helping me showcase my products online, reach more customers, and improve my record-keeping,' said Kamandwa. With the skills she has acquired, Chichi is now transforming her business. 'I learned how to create product labels, list ingredients and registration numbers to build customer trust, and package my products attractively,' said Kamandwa, adding that the most beneficial change she made was improving my packaging. 'I realized how much the look of a product matters. After updating my logo and labels and switching to better-quality packaging, my sales increased significantly, because customers had more confidence in my brand,' she explains. Kamandwa also began using accessible platforms such as WhatsApp to reach new customers, advertise her products, and receive orders. In Kigoma, many women entrepreneurs navigate complex social and economic realities. Alongside their business efforts, they often carry the primary responsibility for household care and income generation, frequently without consistent support from partners. 'Once a woman begins to earn, she is often left to shoulder everything alone,' Kamadwa explains. 'Some men leave for work in other towns, return only briefly, and then leave again, while the woman is left behind to care for the children, run the household, and manage her business on her own.' Additionally, limited access to financial services or reliable support systems leaves women vulnerable to unfair treatment or exploitative arrangements, particularly when trying to access markets or services. 'When you lack information or tools, people take advantage of you,' says Kamandwa. Through strategic partnerships with local government authorities, trade officers, mobile service providers, and private sector actors, UN Women, under KJP II, is working to create an inclusive and enabling business environment for women and youth. 'Initiatives such as the digital literacy workshop aim to strengthen the capacity of women-led enterprises to adopt innovative, market-driven practices, build resilience, and transition into formal markets for sustainable growth,' says Ms. Lilian Mwamdanga, UN Women Specialist for Women's Economic Empowerment. According to Kamandwa, the benefits of workshops like these extend well beyond the knowledge they gain. They create opportunities for women to connect with peers, share experiences, and establish lasting support networks. 'We have even formed small groups to support and uplift one another,' she shares. 'I have also started teaching other women how to use their phones for business. It might seem like a small thing, but it can really transform how we work and sell.' The use of digital platforms has also empowered women like Kamandwa to manage their sales independently, reducing reliance on informal and often unreliable intermediaries. With increased visibility and growing sales, Kamandwa has expanded her inventory and begun selling her products in bulk. She also hopes to continue mentoring others and to start providing training for young women interested in business, so they too can build a future of their own. 'If I can do this, I believe other women can too. We just need the right support and a chance to grow,' she says. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN Women - Africa.
