Harare, Zimbabwe – 15 May 2025 – Zimbabwe's agricultural landscape is preparing for a significant event: the 2nd Agriculture Research and Extension Symposium, scheduled to take place from May 28th to 30th, 2025, at the Zimbabwe Agriculture Society conference halls in Harare. This crucial gathering is a collaborative initiative by the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, specifically its Agricultural Research, Innovation and Specialist Services (ARISS) directorate, alongside the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) and the Zimbabwe Agricultural Society (ZAS).
Dr. Dumisani Kutywayo, Chief Director for ARISS, briefed members of the press today on the upcoming symposium and the pivotal role of his directorate. Dr. Kutywayo explained that ARISS, formerly the Department of Research and Specialist Services, operates through three main departments: Crops Research, Research Services, and Livestock Research. With a national footprint, ARISS's core mandate is to conduct research aimed at boosting crop and livestock productivity and to provide advisory services underpinned by robust, evidence-based findings.
The symposium, themed "Transformative Agricultural Technologies Accelerating the Attainment of Vision 2030," follows a successful inaugural event held in March 2023. Dr. Kutywayo emphasized its function as a vital platform for a broad range of stakeholders to converge, share, and disseminate information on cutting-edge technologies and innovations. A key objective is to strengthen the critical linkage between agricultural research and extension services, ensuring findings reach the farmers who need them. Furthermore, the symposium provides a direct channel for researchers to receive practical feedback from the ground, which is essential for tailoring future research priorities to address real-world challenges faced by farmers.
The call for abstracts for the symposium saw a strong response, with 165 submissions received. Dr. Kutywayo highlighted the focus on featuring new research findings and recently validated technologies that have demonstrated effectiveness and benefits – akin to receiving "bread straight from the oven." These contributions come from diverse participants including ARISS itself (which contributed 86 abstracts), various departments within the Ministry such as Extension and Agricultural Education, Irrigation, as well as local universities (36 abstracts), foreign universities (around 11 papers), and other key players like the Zimbabwe Sugar Association Experiment Station, SIRDC, Kutsaga Research, the Seed Industry, and the Zimbabwe Bio Banks and Genomics. The accepted papers will be presented either as formal oral presentations (80) or posters.
High-level attendance is expected, including principals from the Ministry, such as the Minister and Permanent Secretary. The symposium will also feature prominent keynote speakers over the two primary days. Dr. Kutywayo mentioned invited former senior staff of the department, including Professor Tagwira, Dr. Innos Shumba, and Professor Abel Chemura, who will contribute valuable insights and guidance rooted in their extensive experience.
Addressing questions from the media, Dr. Kutywayo was asked about how the private sector is being incentivized to invest in agricultural R&D in Zimbabwe. He clarified that while direct incentives are primarily a 'macro' or 'fiscal level' policy matter beyond ARISS's specific mandate, the directorate does actively seek to influence broader government policy to support agricultural research funding, referencing international targets like allocating 1% of GDP from fiscal resources. More directly related to ARISS's role, he highlighted the opportunity for private sector investment through 'contract research'. He explained that companies with specific research interests can approach ARISS to commission tailored studies, providing funding in exchange for the research outputs. This mechanism allows the private sector to invest directly in R&D relevant to their needs and access valuable findings.
Dr. Kutywayo also elaborated on how research findings are disseminated to ordinary farmers. He clarified that while researchers generate the knowledge, the extension arm of the Ministry plays the primary role in "packaging the information for the consumption of the farmer." However, he explicitly stated that farmers, as crucial stakeholders, are welcome and encouraged to attend the symposium to engage directly.
Regarding the impact of past research, Dr. Kutywayo confirmed that findings have led to the adoption of new technologies and practices by farmers, citing examples in irrigation, soil health management, and livestock management. While unable to provide specific instances of how this research directly influenced policy formulation at the briefing, he affirmed the ongoing process of research feeding into practical agricultural improvements.
The 2nd Agriculture Research and Extension Symposium is set to be a pivotal event for advancing agricultural knowledge and technology adoption in Zimbabwe. By bringing together researchers, extensionists, policymakers, farmers, and industry players, it aims to significantly contribute to enhancing productivity and accelerating progress towards the goals of Vision 2030.