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20 May 2026
IFAD Country Strategy and Programme Evaluation held
On 20 May, the Independent Office of Evaluation of IFAD (IOE), in collaboration with the Government of Zimbabwe and IFADs Eastern and Southern Africa Division (ESA) held the Final Workshop on the Country Strategy and Programme 2016-2025 Evaluation (CSPE) of IFADs support in the Republic of Zimbabwe, as one of the final steps of the evaluation process.Dr Anxious Masuku, Hon. Minister of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development gave the opening statement at this meeting. “I am pleased with what IFAD is doing in Zimbabwe”, he said that referring to IFAD’s financial investments in Zimbabwe. The Minister highlighted his vision for the agriculture sector which is anchored on agriculture transforming into a business at every scale.The main IFAD supported projects areas include: access to water resources and community management; climate-resilient production and access to nutritious food; value chain development and access to markets and institutional strengthening for smallholder agriculture. IFAD financed US$162.8 million of the total portfolio of US$187.9 million.Speaking at this event, Sara Mbago-Bhunu, IFAD Regional Director for East and Africa highlighted some of the evaluation findings: “The programme has demonstrated strong strategic relevance and alignment with Government priorities, particularly in climate resilience, irrigation development, value chains, and social inclusion. Second, it has delivered tangible results on the ground. Investments in irrigation and climate-smart agriculture have contributed to significant gains in productivity, food security, and incomes for smallholder farmers.“Third …. I would like underlineIFAD’s strong contribution to policy engagement. The programme has supported key national processes in areas such as irrigation, nutrition, and gender equality, reinforcing IFAD’s role as a trusted and strategic partner.”Reflecting on future directions, Mr Franscesco Rispoli, Country Director said IFAD said the evaluation confirms the strong relevance of IFAD’s engagement and its alignment with national priorities, particularly in advancing resilience, climate-smart agriculture, and inclusive value chains. “It also underscores tangible achievements: increased productivity and incomes; strong progress on gender equality; improvements in nutrition and community resilience; and successful scaling of innovations, the Farming-as-a-Business approach and Village Business Units mentioned by the Honorable Minister. These are strong and tangible results,” he said.Officially closing the workshop Honourable Vangelis Haritatos, Minister of Lands and Rural Development said IFADs projects are critical to drive rural development. The workshop brought together representatives of the Government, development partners, civil society organizations, project staff and beneficiaries, as well as IFAD management and staff.
