The 2021 Zimbabwe Agricultural Show was held from the 28th of September to the 2nd of October in Harare, under the theme “Synergies for Growth. Cooperate. Collaborate. Complement.” This was to rally support for agriculture and its value chains for increased production, productivity and profitability. Zimbabwe had a productive 2021 agricultural season, which has seen the country register record harvest in several crop yields. The Agency exhibited under the theme “Synergies for Green Growth. Cooperate. Collaborate. Complement.” Green growth fosters economic growth and development while ensuring that natural assets continue to provide the resources and environmental services on which our well-being relies.

The EMA team that exhibited at the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show 

Our exhibition focused on three main thematic areas which include waste management, wetland conservation and on renewable energy (solar farms). The National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) has prioritised waste management projects especially recycling initiatives and also integrated wetland management. The Agency has been working together with local Community Based Organisations (CBOs) in establishing waste drop-off/ sorting centres in a drive to promote the circular economy. Wetlands have come under threat due to an increase in construction and cultivation activities mostly in urban areas. The Agency is now in the process of gazetting a National Wetlands Map and a Wetlands Policy. Due to pressures on the National Grid, alternative energy is the way to go and solar farms have become a solution to the problem. 

A total of 825 people visited the EMA stand including corporates, government departments, civil society groups, farmers and the general public. Most people appreciated the effort being made in the recycling sector and encouraged more initiatives that cushion people from the economic hardships. His Worship The Mayor of Harare Cllr Stewart Mutizwa and the Acting Town Clerk Eng M.P Moyo paid a special visit to the stand and expressed the need to work closely with the Agency on environmental issues. 

General observations made during the show include farmers from different provinces and districts expressed concern over an increase in veldt fire incidences which are a threat to the bumper harvest. Farmers were reminded of the importance of having fire suppression measures such as fireguards and venturing into hay baling as income generating projects which help to reduce biomass.