Zimbabwe has formalised a three‑year grant agreement with Sweden’s Sida, securing SEK50 million to fund the SIMBISO project “Empowering Farmers for a Climate Resilient Future Through Market Systems”.
The partnership aims to support farmers, youth, women and agribusinesses in Zimbabwe by bolstering early warning systems, increasing local value addition, and expanding inclusive market access.
Speaking at the signing yesterday, Zimbabwean officials expressed hope that the project will transform rural livelihoods.
“This project gives us a chance to build resilience from the bottom up. Our farmers have been waiting for interventions that reach them early enough to mitigate shocks,” said Ms. Ruth Chikowore, Director of Rural Development at an implementing partner.
The grant is in line with Sweden’s broader agenda of climate adaptation, gender equality, and equitable economic development. Sida representatives emphasised the strategic importance of enabling smallholder farmers and agribusiness SMEs to access sustainable market systems and value chains.
Dr. Memory Dube, a researcher at the Zimbabwe Climate Policy Institute, welcomed the announcement but urged rigorous accountability.
“SIMBISO is a bold and timely investment. If well administered, it has the potential to alter how farmers manage climate risk and engage in markets but the proof will be in delivery over the seasons ahead,” said Dube
Under the agreement, one key focus will be on strengthening early warning systems to enable farmers and rural communities to anticipate climate‑induced risks, such as droughts or storms.
Another priority is boosting local value addition helping producers not just grow, but process, package, and market their produce locally in order to increase incomes and reduce post‑harvest losses.
Finally, SIMBISO aims to improve market access in a sustainable way for previously marginalised groups: women, youth, men and SME agribusinesses.
Ms. Chikowore added, “We must ensure that these funds don’t just translate into equipment or infrastructure, but also into functioning systems, training, and connections so farmers can actually sell to better markets.”
Implementation is expected to begin late in 2025, with operational plans, stakeholder consultations, and monitoring mechanisms being finalised in the coming weeks. Partners have committed to transparent oversight and inclusive participation, especially at community and district levels.
