The Promise of Summer Wheat in Zimbabwe

With support from the African Development Bank’s Agricultural Research for the Development of Strategic Crops in Africa (SARD-SC) and Technologies for African Agriculture Transformation (TAAT), ICARDA and the Department of Research and Specialist Services (DRISS) developed and released a bread wheat variety named SAVE (pronounced SA'-Ve, after a river of the same name).  

In a continent grappling with food insecurity and evolving global challenges, ICARDA leads the way in agricultural innovation, driving significant progress in  Zimbabwe.

Africa currently imports around 40 million tons of wheat annually at a staggering cost of $15 billion. Most African countries rely heavily on wheat imports, with some importing up to 100% of their supply. However, countries like Ethiopia and Zimbabwe have made significant strides toward self-sufficiency. Ethiopia has expanded irrigated wheat production, reaching about 1.3 million hectares in 2023 and producing over 10 million tons from nearly 3 million hectares. Zimbabwe produced 468,000 tons of wheat from 90,186 hectares in 2023, exceeding its national self-sufficiency goal by 30%. These achievements are the result of coordinated efforts among farmers, research institutions, financial entities, the private sector, and government policies aimed at achieving wheat and flour self-sufficiency.

At the heart of Zimbabwe’s objectives for self-sufficiency in wheat is SAVE, a new bread wheat variety developed by ICARDA in partnership with DRISS. SAVE thrives under harsh conditions due to its resistance to heat, drought, and yellow and leaf rust. With a potential yield of up to 7 tons per hectare, this breakthrough variety can be cultivated in both summer and winter growing seasons, making it ideal for Zimbabwe’s diverse agricultural landscapes.

Released in 2022 and adopted by Zimbabwe in 2023, SAVE has exceeded expectations by producing 468,000 tons of wheat from 90,186 hectares, surpassing its national self-sufficiency target by 30%. This achievement was the result of a collaborative effort among farmers, research institutions, financial bodies, the private sector, and government support through initiatives such as the Accelerated National Irrigation Rehabilitation and Development Programme (ANIRDP) and the Smallholder Irrigation Revitalization Program (SIRP). Looking ahead, the Zimbabwean government plans to expand winter wheat cultivation to 120,000 hectares in 2024 to counter potential food shortages caused by El Niño.

Field days held at Rupike, Jombe, and Nyamubarawanda irrigation schemes showcased SAVE’s impressive performance, generating enthusiasm among farmers for its potential to deliver a bountiful harvest. Organized by DRISS, local agricultural extension services, community members, and ICARDA, these events attracted a wide array of stakeholders, including government representatives, private seed companies, and local farmers. The field days turned into community-wide celebrations featuring plays, poetry, and songs that honored the contributions of Zimbabwe's farmers and underscored agriculture’s vital role in securing the nation’s future.

The events also gathered communities around SAVE's transformative potential. Outstanding farmers were recognized with awards of quality seeds, fertilizers, and farming tools, reinforcing their dedication to Zimbabwe’s agricultural resurgence. The participation of senior officials, such as Dr. Dumisani Kutywayo, Chief Director of DRISS, and the ICARDA wheat team, highlighted the significance of these milestones.

 

 

“The African Development Bank’s Feed Africa Strategy is driving African nations toward agricultural self-sufficiency by promoting technological innovation and scaling,” emphasized Dr. Zewdie Bishaw, ICARDA’s Coordinator of the TAAT II Wheat Compact.

Zimbabwe’s success with the ICARDA-developed wheat variety, SAVE, demonstrates the power of innovation, policy, and community collaboration. As the country continues to expand its wheat production, it moves closer to self-sufficiency and sets a powerful example for the rest of Africa. In Zimbabwe, wheat has become a symbol of resilience, progress, and hope.