By Brandon Moss

Zimbabwe’s economy grew by 2.9% in 2024, according to the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat), but the agricultural sector—long considered the backbone of the nation—has shown troubling signs of contraction. The decline is attributed to erratic rainfall, outdated farming techniques, and limited access to financing for smallholder farmers.

“While the GDP figures look promising, they mask the reality on the ground,” said Dr. Nyasha Moyo, an agricultural economist at the University of Zimbabwe. “Farmers are struggling with input costs and unpredictable weather patterns. Without targeted support, this sector will continue to shrink.”

The government has launched several initiatives, including the Agricultural Recovery Plan and the Presidential Input Scheme, but uptake has been uneven. Many rural farmers say they lack access to extension services and modern equipment.

Livestock production has also dipped, with cattle numbers falling due to disease outbreaks and poor grazing conditions. Experts warn that if these trends continue, Zimbabwe could face increased food imports and rising prices.

To reverse the decline, stakeholders are calling for a comprehensive overhaul of agricultural policy, including climate-smart farming, improved market access, and stronger public-private partnerships.