Pfumvudza/ Intwasa is a conservation and regenerative agriculture program that was launched in Zimbabwe in 2020
by the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development. The program aims to improve food security and nutrition, increase agricultural productivity, and promote climate resilience among smallholder farmers. The program is based on the principles of conservation and regenerative agriculture, which involves minimal soil disturbance, crop rotation, and the use of organic inputs

The Pfumvudza/Intwasa program has several benefits for smallholder farmers and the environment. Firstly, the
program promotes sustainable land use practices that help to combat climate change by reducing greenhouse
gas emissions and increasing carbon sequestration. Secondly, the program helps to improve soil health and fertility, which leads to increased crop yields and improved food security. Thirdly, the program promotes the use of locally available inputs, such as compost, manure, and mulching which reduces the need for expensive chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Fourthly, the program encourages crop diversification, which helps to reduce the risk of crop failure due to pests, diseases, and climate variability

Pfumvudza means a new season of increased productivity; it is a season of
producing more on less land and with less resources; a season of climate proofing our agriculture through…[the] adoption of conservation agriculture,”

John Basera, Former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture,
Fisheries and Rural Development,
Government of Zimbabwe

The 2023/24 Season Pfumvudza/Intwasa Program in Numbers

  • Maize: 400 000ha
  • Soya Beans: 6 230ha
  • Sunflower: 100 000ha
  • Sorghum: 250 000ha
  • Pearl Millet: 120 577ha
  • Cotton: 180 000ha
  • TOTAL: 1 062 807HA
  • Under the Pfumvudza/Intwasa program, farmers can prepare up to five plots.

Finally, the program provides training and technical support to smallholder farmers, which helps to build their capacity and improve their livelihoods.

Impact on Combating Climate Change

The Pfumvudza/Intwasa program has the potential to make a significant contribution to combating climate change
in Zimbabwe. By promoting sustainable land use practices, the program helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase carbon sequestration, which are key strategies for mitigating climate change.

The program also helps to build the resilience of smallholder farmers to the impacts of climate change, such as
droughts, floods, and extreme weather events. By improving soil health and fertility, the program helps to increase crop yields and improve food security, which is critical for adapting to the impacts of climate change.

In conclusion, the Pfumvudza/Intwasa program is an innovative and effective approach to regenerative agriculture that has the potential to transform the agricultural sector in Zimbabwe. By promoting sustainable land use practices, improving soil health and fertility, and building the resilience of smallholder farmers, the program can help to combat climate change, improve food security, and promote sustainable development in Zimbabwe and beyond.