Govt Unveils $65.5 Million Horticulture Initiative to Support 50,000 Farmers

In partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID), the government has launched the Horticulture Enterprise Enhancement Project (HEEP), a $65.5 million initiative aimed at empowering 50,000 smallholder farmers nationwide.

Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Hon. Vangelis Haritatos, said HEEP will boost food security, increase incomes, and strengthen sustainable horticultural value chains. The project plans to establish 620 commercial village business units, benefiting farmers directly and supporting rural economic growth.

Hon. Haritatos described HEEP as a key driver of Zimbabwe’s economic development and rural progress. Running from 2023 to 2031, the project is expected to transform the horticulture sector and significantly improve livelihoods across the country.