Zimbabwe's horticulture sector is recording impressive growth, according to the Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development ministry. Ministry secretary Obert Jiri said the latest crop and livestock assessment showed that horticulture was performing well, largely due to its reliance on irrigation.
He highlighted a rise in the production of high-value crops such as blueberries, driven by export demand and growing investor confidence in the sector. "Horticulture remains one of the most promising sectors. Blueberries, in particular are on the rise due to increased export markets," said Jiri.
At the same time, Zimbabwe's Infrastructure and Development Bank of Zimbabwe (IDBZ) is considering raising US$50 million to support the horticulture sector, with a particular focus on smallholder farmers and small enterprises. As part of its proactive approach, the bank has developed and submitted a concept note for the Horticulture Investment Fund for Enhanced Climate Resilience (HIFECR) to the Green Climate Fund (GCF), seeking climate finance to bolster the sector.
This strategic initiative reflects IDBZ's commitment to addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development by enhancing the resilience of horticultural projects. These efforts are expected to contribute significantly to environmental sustainability and economic growth. The GCF, established under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), is the world's largest dedicated climate fund and plays a key role in the Paris Agreement by helping developing countries finance projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve climate adaptation.
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