Policy shifts on sustainable agricultural productivity and efficiency: Strengths and gaps to improve food security in Zimbabwe

Abstract

Food insecurity is one of the major challenges threatening humanity in sub Saharan Africa. Therefore, attaining food security year after year should be the focus for policy makers. This review study considers the status of Zimbabwe’s agricultural policies on sustainable agriculture production and efficiency emphasising on strengths and gaps. Most policy shifts by the Zimbabwean government had negative effects on agriculture productivity. Only one drafted and adopted in 1995 to alleviate the disastrous Economic Structural Adjustment Program proved to have a marked positive effect on agriculture. Currently, agriculture in Zimbabwe is guided by the comprehensive 2018 - 2030 policy framework draft which has a holistic approach towards agriculture value-chains. Its objective is to support and promote sustainable flow of investments to transform the agricultural sector through increased and sustained agricultural production, productivity and competitiveness by providing policy guidance and direction. However, the policy is lacking on essential issues such as improvements on existing inorganic and organic fertilizer formulations that drive efficiency and sustainability of agriculture. There is need to formulate policies that are implemented and supported by the government and various stakeholders such as industry and commerce so as to improve agricultural productivity, profitability and sustainability.