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

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 …

Citizen scientists take the lead in tracking Southern Africa’s transboundary river basin 

Local monitoring feeds near-real-time water data into the Limpopo Basin Digital Twin, supporting more informed, basin-wide decisions …

Latest Zimbabwe publications

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Report

Digital inclusiveness report of the Enabel Citizen Science Project: potential risk & mitigation recommendations

International Water Management Institute | February 20th, 2026
Darlington, Daniella E.
Open Access
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Report

Participatory mapping of ecosystem services and degradation hotspots in the Nyadire Sub-Catchment, Zimbabwe: implications for multifunctional landscape design

International Water Management Institute | February 19th, 2026
Choruma, Dennis Junior; Mupangwa, W.; Gebrezgabher, Solomie A.
Open Access
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Book Chapter

Chapter 5 – Agricultural water management in maize-based systems: challenges, opportunities, and sustainable solutions in Kenya, Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe

Elsevier | February 17th, 2026
Kanda, E.; Dirwai, Tinashe Lindel; Tegegne, Desalegn; Choruma, Dennis Junior; Haileslassie, Amare
Limited Access