Our Activities
ZiLAN Annual Policy Dialogue-Advancing Agro-ecology for a Greener Future
On 25 November, the Zimbabwe Land and Agrarian Network (ZiLAN) hosted its Annual Policy dialogue at the Rainbow Towers Hotel in Harare, under the theme “Towards a Greener Future.” The event convened 40 stakeholders (18 women and 22 men) from government, civil society, farmer unions, and academia to explore the intersection of agricultural development and environmental sustainability. Key discussions addressed the urgent need to curb tobacco-driven deforestation, apply degrowth principles to balance economic and ecological priorities, and promote agro-forestry and regenerative farming for soil restoration.
Experts from the Environmental Management Agency, the Forestry Commission, and the University of Zimbabwe shared insights on building climate resilience and food sovereignty. The workshop concluded with a strong call for collaborative action, emphasising the importance for evidence-based research by SMAIAS to validate agro-ecology’s role in food security. Participants also urged greater inclusivity in future dialogues, particularly the involvement of key institutions like the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB).
Zilan Steering Committee Meeting
On 6 November, ZiLAN held its 35th Steering Committee Meeting, reviewing 2025 programme and financial milestones. Key highlights included achievements in agro-ecology, climate advocacy, organic farming, mushroom hub upgrades, alongside active food festival participation. Financial challenges prompted resolutions on membership audits, subscription deadlines, and renewed fundraising strategies. Encouragingly, the PVO registration is progressing, with Social Welfare advancing its assessment. The meeting closed with a united call for resilience, collaboration, and sharpened focus on boosting ZiLAN’s visibility and strategic impact in the face of evolving regulatory and funding landscapes.
ZiLAN Showcases Seed Sovereignty at National Good Seed and Food Festival
On 19th – 20th September, ZiLAN participated in the National Food and Seed Festivals, a regional event that drew attendees from South Africa, Mozambique and beyond. The festival championed the use of traditional seed to promote biodiversity, food security and climate resilience, amid growing reliance on hybrid varieties. ZiLAN stood out through the active involvement of Chinyika farmers, who showcased and sold produce from their organic gardens. The event offered rich opportunities for networking, knowledge exchange, and expanding ZiLAN’ visibility among new communities, partners, and potential funders. The two-day gathering proved vital in strengthening the importance of seed sovereignty and empowering smallholder farmers through strategic collaborations and market exposure.
ZiLAN Engages at the 10th Rural Women’s Assembly National Meeting
From the 2nd to 4th September, ZiLAN participated in the 10th Rural Women Assembly (RWA) national meeting, hosted by Women and Land in Zimbabwe in Makoni District. The event gathered over 4,000 farmers from 23 districts, alongside Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), local authorities, and government officials, with regional representation from Botswana, Mozambique, Zambia, and Swaziland. The assembly provided an important platform for learning on land rights, gender-based violence, agro-ecology, and the preservation of indigenous seeds. ZiLAN took part in key sessions on climate change adaptation, natural pesticide production, and a Land Dare (dialogue) with traditional leaders. The assembly promoted solidarity, knowledge exchange and strengthened advocacy for rural women’s rights and sustainable agriculture.
Markets and Production Cluster Meeting-Strengthening Farmer Access and Market Intelligence
On the 23rd July 2025, the Markets and Production Cluster convened a combined session attended by 7 organisations represented by 5 female and 2 male participants. The meeting brought to light pressing issues affecting small-scale producers, which is the persistent of lack of access to timely and accurate market information, which continues to limit farmers ability to fully capitalise on the of their produce. In response, cluster members proposed a series of collaborative strategies aimed at enhancing market reach and production outcomes. These included leveraging social media platforms for mutual promotion, creating an internal market place within the network by encouraging members to advertise their products, repost and support each other’s content and actively engage with current affairs to stay informed about developments in agricultural production and market trends.
Members also discussed the potential of tapping into the diaspora market, urging the development of targeted strategies to expand beyond local boundaries A significant highlight of the meeting was the presentation by SMAIAS, which shared preliminary insights from the on-going research on the implications of policy on food security, focusing on the Goromonzi Village Based Unit (VBU). The findings revealed notable gaps in marketing strategies, technical knowledge, and sustainability, particularly in newer ventures such as fish farming, where oversubscription and skill deficits were evident. Despite these challenges, the research generated considerable enthusiasm among cluster members who expressed keen interest in the final report, expected in the first quarter of 2026. The session concluded with a renewed sense of purpose, as members committed to advancing collaborative efforts that will empower farmers to improve production and market access.
ZiLAN and Farming 263 Unite for Climate and Land Advocacy
As part of its media advocacy efforts, ZILAN has partnered with Farming 263, (an emerging force in social media) to produce engaging content on land and climate issues. This collaboration aims to promote informed public dialogue and influence policy through accessible, educational media. A formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) now guides this partnership. Content is already in production and will soon be shared across platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube, expanding the reach and impact of these critical conversations.
Food for Life Festival
The Zimbabwe Land and Agrarian Network (ZiLAN) attended the Food for Life Festival, hosted by Women in Farming Entrepreneurship (W.I.F.E) on 23 May 2025 at Women University in Africa, Harare. The festival was a vibrant celebration of Africa’s food systems, entrepreneurship, and sustainable agriculture. The event brought together women farmers and entrepreneurs, who showcased their fresh and processed produce, artisanal goods, and innovative products. In attendance were various organizations, financial institutions, and stakeholders, including PELUM, Total Farm Solution (TFS), Zimbabwe Farmers Union (ZFU), NMB Bank, Champion Seeds, as well as women farmers from Chikomba District, particularly members of the Chinyika Garden, with whom ZiLAN is actively working. The festival featured discussions and presentations by notable speakers, including the Vice Chancellor of Africa University, the ZFU District Coordinator, and other keynote speakers. Topics covered included Gender dynamics in markets, financial and social inclusion for women empowerment in agricultural value chains and small grains and agroecology for climate adaptation and mitigation. ZiLAN also had a valuable opportunity to network with organizations within the agricultural sector, fostering connections to further its mission of supporting sustainable agriculture and community development.
Chinyika Nutritional Garden Support
ZiLAN, with support from We-Effect and Mamacash, partnered with a group of 10 farmers (8 women and 2 men) in Chikomba district, Chinyika, who manage a thriving nutritional garden. The Chinyika group, dedicated to purely organic farming, was identified through ZiLAN’s member organization, the Zimbabwe Farmers Union (ZFU). This group stands as a remarkable success story, showcasing the determination and unity of farmers addressing food security and sovereignty challenges despite facing significant resource constraints. To support their efforts, ZiLAN, with funding from We-Effect and Mama Cash, implemented key interventions during the first quarter of 2025. These included the installation of a 5,000-liter water tank on a steel stand, a drip irrigation system covering half a hectare, and a security fence enclosing the entire one-hectare garden. The drip irrigation system has significantly boosted production by providing a consistent and readily available water supply, while the fence has safeguarded crops from threats such as stray livestock and theft.