ARDA Restructured to Anchor Zim’s Food Security St...

ARDA Restructured to Anchor Zim’s Food Security Strategy

Oscar J. Jeke – Zim Now Reporter

The Agricultural and Rural Development Authority has been restructured to serve as Zimbabwe’s central food security agency, with a new mandate to produce at least 850,000 metric tonnes of cereals annually—contributing 95% of the Strategic Grain Reserve.

ARDA, a parastatal under the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, was established under the ARDA Act [Chapter 18:01]. Its traditional mandate includes spearheading agricultural, rural, and agro-industrial development.

However, in January 2021, its role was expanded to include driving national food, feed, fibre, biofuels, and seed security, while also leading rural industrialisation under the Rural Development 8.0 Model.

Following Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting, Information Minister Jenfan Muswere confirmed ARDA’s redefined role, stating that the agency has been restructured to serve as the country’s food security anchor, with the mandate to produce 850,000 metric tonnes of cereals annually, contributing 95% to the Strategic Grain Reserve.

The restructuring comes as Zimbabwe anticipates a grain surplus of between 812,000 and 1.2 million metric tonnes for the 2024/2025 marketing season. To ensure timely deliveries and prompt farmer payments, the government has directed additional resources to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB).

Grain marketing is being facilitated through multiple platforms, including the GMB, the Zimbabwe Mercantile Exchange (ZMX), and direct sales to agro-processors. The Warehouse Receipt System remains operational and has already recorded 4,700 metric tonnes of cereals, oilseeds, and pulses.

As part of improved logistics and decentralised storage, the GMB has established 1,804 mobile grain collection centres across all wards. These centres are also being used to create localised Strategic Grain Reserves and enable farmers to use ZMX warehouse receipts to purchase agricultural inputs.

Cabinet also received updates on other crop sectors. As of July 3, cotton sales stood at 17.3 million kilograms, worth US$5.5 million, sold to six contractors. Tobacco sales reached a record 333.3 million kilograms, up from 223 million kilograms over the same period in 2024. Despite subdued prices averaging US$3.35 per kilogram, total earnings rose to US$1.12 billion, compared to US$766 million last year.

Looking ahead, winter cereal output—including wheat, barley, and potatoes—is projected to reach 875,000 metric tonnes. The government is actively monitoring productivity enablers to ensure the country meets this target.

The transformation of ARDA signals a more centralised and strategic approach to agricultural production as Zimbabwe seeks to strengthen national food security amid climate challenges and global supply chain pressures.