Zimbabwe Farms Skyrocket 45 Years On

Zimbabwe marked 45 years free from colonial rule last week. The country thrives today, especially in farming, where local people replaced white landowners. Since 1980, Zimbabwean agriculture has changed completely as black farmers have gained the power to produce more food. This represents a huge shift from colonial times, when few had chances to farm. Black citizens once faced barriers to land, tools, and training.

President Mnangagwa stated firmly that land reform cannot be reversed, showing government support for local farmers fixing past wrongs. This helped push farm output past the $8 billion target toward $13.75 billion for 2025. Zimbabwe ranks among Africa's top eight wheat producers under the current leadership. The nation leads Africa in tobacco growing and stands sixth worldwide behind giants like China and India.

According to Tobacco Farmers Union Trust president Victor Mariranimyka, farmers learned the skills needed to use land well and bring Zimbabwe back as a regional farm power. The nation kept food secure for four straight seasons alongside Ethiopia. Zimbabwe grew 468,000 tons of wheat last season—impressive for its 16 million population. The country also boosted blueberry exports by 85 percent to over 5,000 tons, joining the top 15 global sellers.

The Agriculture Recovery plan, started in 2020, helped reverse bad trends. Every district received farm teachers to guide local growers with training and supplies. This approach lets farmers succeed and feed the country. Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union president Shadreck Makombe sees bright prospects despite drought challenges as farmers work hard across all crops.

Public and private groups collaborate to improve farm output and stability. Farming became respected work rather than looked down upon. Government programs helped resettled farmers start selling crops worldwide—something impossible during colonial times. Recent land deed programs give black homeowners legal protection for their property. Farm progress since independence moves Zimbabwe toward its goal of middle-class status by 2030.
 

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