8 April 2026 | Harare, Zimbabwe
On 8 April 2026, FANRPAN convened the Zimbabwe National Circular Food Systems Policy Dialogue at Holiday Inn Hotel in Harare, under the theme: Advancing Policy and Investment Pathways for Climate-Resilient, Resource-Efficient and Inclusive Agrifood Systems in Zimbabwe. The dialogue brought together approximately 40 participants from government ministries, farmer organisations, private sector actors, financial institutions, and development partners. The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development officially opened proceedings, signalling strong government-level engagement with the circular food systems agenda.
Drawing on evidence from the project's implementation in Insiza and Bubi Districts in Matabeleland South, participants examined four thematic areas: water and resource efficiency; integrated crop-livestock systems and soil health; value addition and post-harvest management; and policy, finance, and institutional coordination. Key recommendations included aligning circular food systems work with Zimbabwe's National Development Strategy, enhanced access to international climate finance instruments, including the Green Climate Fund, stronger private sector engagement, and a clear mandate for government ministries to move from dialogue participation to active implementation.
Following the dialogue, a senior FANRPAN delegation led by CEO and Head of Mission Dr Tshilidzi Madzivhandila engaged directly with government ministries and development partners, including FAO, and SNV. The Zimbabwe dialogue is the third and final national engagement before the Regional Policy Dialogue on Circular Food Systems, 26 to 29 May 2026, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, where cross-country lessons will be consolidated into a shared regional agenda.
