Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe has a predominantly tropical climate, with a rainy season from November to March and a dry season from April to October. Agriculture is a vital sector for the country’s economy, with over two thirds of the population relying on farming for their livelihoods. However, Zimbabwe faces challenges such as land degradation, climate variability, and water scarcity, which impact agricultural productivity and food security. Despite these challenges, the country holds significant potential for sustainable agriculture through improved land management practices and the adoption of innovative technologies.

IWMI in Zimbabwe

IWMI’s work in Zimbabwe focuses on enhancing agricultural resilience and sustainability through a series of strategic initiatives. Key projects involve the scoping of digital technologies in agriculture, identifying opportunities and challenges for smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa, including Zimbabwe. Another notable project involves modeling water flows in the Limpopo River Basin using drone technology to improve water resource management.

Launches in integrated landscape management seeks to restore degraded landscapes, promoting sustainability and livelihoods in rural communities. Additionally, researchers have explored biomass and nutrient flow dynamics to inform sustainable farming practices that address environmental challenges, helping farmers to de-risk their operations and enhance productivity. Through these projects, IWMI is supporting Zimbabwe’s transition to more sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural systems.

Contact

Henry Roman

Henry Roman

Country Representative – South Africa

Contact our office in Zimbabwe.

Contact the media team.

Contact our global HQ.

Projects in Zimbabwe

Latest Zimbabwe news

Explainer: Citizen Science

Citizen science is coming of age, combining community knowledge with digital tools to address complex challenges like climate change and water security …

Why water security in Africa depends on listening to young people

Water security in Africa requires a paradigm shift that centers women and young people as architects of solutions, says IWMI researcher Seipati Mokhema …

What turns everyday people into water scientists in the Limpopo River Basin? 

60 citizen scientists in Southern Africa told us about making water monitoring accessible, rewarding and sustainable …

Can a simple solution offer a lifeline to communities confronting climate change?

Sand dams are found to be a vital niche option in a diversified water storage system to improve local water access and resilience in Zimbabwe …

Latest Zimbabwe publications

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Journal Article

Many Partners, Big Numbers? Estimating the Reach of CGIAR – Supported Innovations in East and Southern Africa

Public Library of Science | March 30th, 2026
Ngoma, Hambulo; Mulungu, Kelvin; Manyanga, Mark; Simutowe, Esau; Mhlanga, Blessing; Hanke-Louw, Nora; Waswa, Boaz; Jacobs-Mata, Inga; Givertz, Evan; Thierfelder, Christian
Open Access
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Journal Article

Operational Sentinel-2 System for Monthly Near‑real‑time Irrigated Area Mapping in the Limpopo River Basin

Springer | March 26th, 2026
Kiala, Zolo; Matheswaran, Karthikeyan; Dickens, Chris; Garcia Andarcia, Mariangel; Ludwig, Fulco; Ghosh, Surajit
Open Access
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Report

Equality and Social Inclusion Integration Analysis Report: Strengthening Gender and Social Inclusion across the CGIAR Multifunctional Landscapes Program

International Water Management Institute | March 16th, 2026
Mokhema, Seipati; Nortje, Karen; Freed, Sarah
Open Access