NEW: Government empowers women in agriculture

Online Reporter

The Government has initiated a women empowerment programme for women in the agriculture sector, with a special focus on wheat production.

This comes as the country has set a target to put 120 000 hectares under winter wheat this season, up from last year’s 90 000ha.

Speaking during a capacity-building meeting held recently in Marondera, Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services acting chief director, Mr Leonard Munamati said they were committed to facilitating the production of more wheat to alleviate the impact of the El Niño-induced drought.

Mr Munamati encouraged women to take advantage of this opportunity and urged them to plant wheat in every village garden with a water source.

“To support this initiative, Government has collaborated with stakeholders such as the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) and the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC). About 11 000 metric tonnes of fertilizer are currently being transported in preparation for wheat planting to meet the target,” he said.

“As the Ministry, we decided to give women wheat inputs so that they will be able to provide for their families despite the El-Nino phenomenon witnessed this year.”

The Zimbabwe Women in Agriculture Business Network (ZIWAN) commended Government for availing the inputs to women.

Mrs Phillip Jaya, a member of ZIWAN, said the programme had the potential to improve women’s lives and contribute towards national development.

“I want to thank the Ministry for the support because women are determined to make a significant contribution towards the attainment of Vision 2030 and food security,” she said.

‘The ministry has been supporting women with inputs for wheat production. This will improve women’s lives as well as feed their families and the nation at large.”

With the Government’s push for sustainable farming practices and the empowerment of women in agriculture, Zimbabwe is taking a significant step towards food security.