THE Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has intensified its partnership with China to enhance food security in Zimbabwe.
Under the initiative, which was first launched nationally last year, the project aims to improve soil fertility and boost crop productivity by strengthening sustainable soil management practices in Zimbabwe, improving digital soil mapping, fertiliser management, farmer training, and knowledge exchange with other countries in the Global South.
As the project enters its 2026–2028 implementation phase, national efforts are focusing on upgrading soil laboratories, establishing field demonstrations, and creating new knowledge-sharing platforms.
“We are ensuring Zimbabwe moves from planning to full implementation under the capacity development on sustainable soil management,” said FAO subregional coordinator, Patrice Talla. Speaking during a technical monitoring workshop yesterday, Talla highlighted the importance of translating planning into practical action.
He said currently, Zimbabwe was demonstrating strong leadership in turning strategic commitments into field-level action.
“Red soil degradation through topsoil loss, acidification, and nutrient depletion has been a major concern in Zimbabwe, threatening agricultural productivity,” added Talla.
He noted that investments in soil laboratories, field trials, and knowledge exchange directly empower farmers and institutions, marking an important step towards resilient food systems. FAO sustainable soil management project coordinator, Obert Maminimini, said the initiative would help farmers adopt the best agriculture practices.
“The project’s investments in laboratory upgrades and digital soil mapping will enable more accurate soil testing services,” said Maminimini.
He said the findings would help ensure farmers apply the right nutrients at the right rates for the best results. Field trials on Zimbabwe’s red soils are now testing nine different fertiliser treatment combinations to determine optimal nitrogen and phosphorus regimes that would allow crops to thrive.
“A recent technical monitoring mission confirmed visible differences in crop growth, offering early insights for refining recommendations,” said Maminimini.
Hazel Marimbiza
in BULAWAYO