An Assessment of the role of pfumvudza conservation farming program in combating food insecurity. A case study of Madziva community, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Climate change increasingly threatens smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa, where rain-fed agriculture supports over 60% of rural populations. In Zimbabwe, recurrent droughts have severely reduced agricultural productivity, prompting the government to launch the Pfumvudza Conservation Agriculture Programme in 2020 as a climate-smart intervention. This study assessed the role of Pfumvudza in combating food insecurity and enhancing climate resilience in Madziva, a semi-arid region. Guided by the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework, the research employed a qualitative case study design. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 15 purposively selected participants, including smallholder farmers, agricultural extension officers, and local leaders, supplemented by documentary review. Key findings indicate that Pfumvudza significantly improved household yields, with some farmers reporting two- to three-fold harvest gains due to minimum tillage, mulching, and water conservation. The program enhanced food security through prolonged food sufficiency, reduced dependence on food aid, and improved nutritional diversity. However, implementation challenges persist, including delayed input supplies, labour-intensive practices, inadequate extension support, and pest outbreaks. The study concludes that while Pfumvudza has positively transformed food security in Madziva, systemic challenges limit its full potential. Recommendations include timely input distribution, labour-saving technologies, strengthened extension services, and farmer cooperatives to scale up the program effectively.