NEW REPORT PUBLISHED: The future of farming in Zimbabwe: a new Nuffield report by Steven Pocock
30/11/2025
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Nuffield Zimbabwe is pleased to share the publication of The Future of Farming in Zimbabwe: Realising a resilient, inclusive and sustainable agricultural future, the 2024 Nuffield Scholar report by Steven Pocock.
The report examines how Zimbabwe can rebuild a productive, climate-resilient and market-linked agricultural sector in the post-land reform era. Drawing on extensive travel within Zimbabwe and internationally -- including Brazil, New Zealand, Canada, the United States, Kenya and Australia -- the report combines global lessons with deep local context.
It explores the historical foundations of Zimbabwean agriculture, the impacts of land reform, and the current realities facing farmers across communal, resettlement and commercial systems. While acknowledging persistent challenges such as insecure land tenure, low productivity, climate stress and fragmented markets, the report is firmly future-focused.
At its core, the report sets out seven strategic principles to accelerate agricultural recovery, including:
supporting established commercial producers as engines of growth and knowledge transfer
reducing reliance on subsistence farming through targeted extension
investing in genetics, breeding and technology
ensuring irrigation and infrastructure are professionally managed
strengthening land tenure and bankability
building stronger market linkages
aligning land use with agro-ecological and climate realities
Agriculture remains the backbone of Zimbabwe's economy and livelihoods. This report argues that meaningful progress will depend not on new ideas alone, but on credible execution, policy consistency and genuine partnerships across the sector.
The report is intended as a resource for farmers, policymakers, investors and development partners committed to Zimbabwe's agricultural future.
