By Admore Mbonda in Kariba
Mashonaland West — In a decisive shift from conventional agricultural thinking, the Government of Zimbabwe has urged commercial farmers to invest more deliberately in traditional grains, positioning them as a cornerstone for food security, climate resilience, and improved nutrition.
The call was made during a recent visit by Professor Obert Jiri, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, to End Base Farm in Kariba, owned by Job Dalu and his family.
Touring the 46-hectare sorghum crop at the farm, Prof. Jiri praised the success of the venture, describing it as a practical demonstration of how traditional grains can help safeguard Zimbabwe’s agricultural future.
The visit forms part of a broader government drive to revive interest in crops such as sorghum and millet, long valued for their resilience and nutritional benefits.
“We are at a critical point where climate change is undermining the reliability of conventional farming systems,” Prof. Jiri said.
“Traditional grains offer a viable and sustainable alternative as we adapt to changing environmental conditions.”
He noted that these crops are naturally drought-tolerant, require fewer inputs than maize, and are better suited to Zimbabwe’s increasingly unpredictable rainfall patterns—making them both cost-effective and climate-smart.
Citing climate projections, Prof. Jiri warned that rainfall is expected to decline by about 10 percent by 2050, while temperatures could rise by as much as two degrees Celsius.
“This is a clear signal that we must diversify our cropping systems. Sorghum, in particular, can perform well under harsh conditions and should be central to our future agricultural strategy,” he said.
Mr. Dalu, who produces maize, sorghum, tobacco, and wheat, echoed the call for diversification, saying traditional grains are not only agronomically sound but also vital for national health.
“These grains are naturally biofortified,” he said. “They provide essential nutrients such as zinc, iron, and calcium without the need for expensive processing. This is important for both food security and nutrition.”
Prof. Jiri also challenged younger generations to reconnect with traditional foods, stressing that awareness and education are key to changing perceptions.
“We must teach our children the value of these grains. They are nutritious, climate-resilient, and part of our cultural heritage,” he said.
Beyond human consumption, the government is also encouraging the use of traditional grains in livestock feed.
Prof. Jiri noted that incorporating sorghum and millet into poultry feed can improve the quality of eggs and other animal products, further strengthening value chains.
As Zimbabwe confronts the realities of climate change, the renewed focus on traditional grains may prove pivotal in building a more resilient agricultural sector.
By embracing these time-tested crops, the country stands to enhance food security, lower production costs, and promote healthier diets—benefiting farmers and consumers alike.
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