Agriculture Correspondent
GOVERNMENT has hailed the US$43.6 million European Union-funded Zimbabwe Agricultural Growth Programme (ZAGP), describing it as a game-changer that ensures food and nutrition security.
Dr Vangelis Haritatos, the Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development said the programme is contributing to the country’s prosperity.
“The development of the livestock subsector remains a vital cog in the attainment of the broad objectives of NDS1. Overall, the livestock sector is seen as a pivotal area for investment and development, with the potential to drive economic growth, ensure food security, and contribute to national prosperity in line with Zimbabwe’s developmental goals”, he said.
Dr Haritatos made the remarks while delivering a keynote address during a conference organised by his ministry in collaboration with the ZAGP.
The conference, which was held in Harare on Wednesday, was on models for promoting livestock production, productivity and profitability.
It brought together representatives from Government, farmers, private sector leaders, donor communities, academia and research institutions.
ZAGP officially concludes on March 31, after five years of enhancing the productivity, profitability, and resilience of the livestock production sector in the country.
Speaking at the same function, Mr Jobst von Kirchmann, the European Union Ambassador, spoke about the positive impact that the programme, which was implemented by 20 partners under 6 consortia, had.
“The Zimbabwe Agricultural Growth Programme (ZAGP) doesn’t just succeed in numbers; it’s about making a positive impact on people’s lives and creating a better future. What sets ZAGP apart is its commitment to empowering farmers and communities to take charge of their destinies, to do business with livestock.”
“The programme didn’t just provide handouts and infrastructures; it empowered farmers with knowledge, skills, and resources to thrive independently. And the results speak for themselves. By supporting smallholder farmers and promoting sustainable livestock practices, the ZAGP shows the EU’s dedication to building a prosperous agricultural sector in Zimbabwe,” Mr von Kirchmann said.
ZAGP covered all 10 provinces of Zimbabwe, with interventions that cover key areas like animal health and nutrition, breed improvement, financial inclusion models for livestock value-chains, market access and collective action approaches.
It also provided information systems, food safety and linking agricultural research, education and extension.
Since 2018, the ZAGP assisted livestock farmers across the 10 provinces by increasing production, productivity, and incomes.
