By Dickson Bandera
Zimbabwe is exploring potential partnerships with Spanish irrigation specialist REECE Group to accelerate the development of small-scale irrigation systems and strengthen agricultural production.
The discussions took place during the Zimbabwean delegation’s engagements with international partners at the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Rome, Italy.
Mashonaland East Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Itayi Ndudzo, who is leading the Zimbabwean delegation, said REECE Group had expressed interest in partnering with Zimbabwe to expand small-scale irrigation infrastructure.
The company operates in 61 countries, including Mozambique and Angola, according to Ndudzo.
The proposed partnership could help Zimbabwe improve access to reliable water supplies for farming, reduce dependence on rainfall and strengthen agricultural resilience amid climate-related challenges.
Expanding irrigation infrastructure is also expected to support efforts to improve agricultural productivity, strengthen rural livelihoods and enhance national food security.
Ndudzo said international partnerships that bring appropriate technologies and practical solutions to Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector were important in unlocking the country’s agricultural potential.
He said the engagements were aligned with President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 agenda, which seeks to transform Zimbabwe into an empowered and prosperous upper-middle-income society.
Zimbabwe has been pursuing agricultural modernisation and increased irrigation development as part of broader efforts to strengthen food production and reduce vulnerability to erratic rainfall.
The discussions with REECE Group represent a potential avenue for international cooperation in irrigation development, although details of any formal agreement, proposed investment and implementation timelines have not yet been announced.
The Zimbabwean delegation is in Rome for engagements with FAO and other potential partners on issues relating to agricultural development and food security.
