Zimbabwe is set to conduct its first agricultural sector census since gaining independence, aiming to address critical gaps in structural agricultural statistics. The census will provide essential data to support the transformation of the country’s agrifood systems.
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) recently announced its technical support for Zimbabwe in developing a National Agricultural and Livestock Census (NALC) action plan. This framework will enable the government to mobilize the necessary resources to implement the census effectively. Additionally, the FAO is assisting Zimbabwe in updating its national food balance sheet (FBS) to enhance food security planning.
“This collaboration is part of FAO’s broader efforts to strengthen Zimbabwe’s agricultural data systems and ensure food security for its population,” the organization stated.
According to Dominique Habimana, FAO Regional Statistician for Africa, the census will be a crucial step in producing key statistical outputs for Zimbabwe’s Strategic Plan for Agricultural and Rural Statistics (2025-2029) and the National Strategy for the Development of Statistics (2022-2026).
“The NALC will provide a comprehensive snapshot of Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector and serve as a baseline for various subsectors through complete enumeration. For the first time, it will also establish a solid sampling frame for future agricultural surveys,” Habimana explained.
The census is expected to enhance agricultural planning, policymaking, and resource allocation, ultimately contributing to the country’s long-term food security and economic growth.
