EU and IFAD launch EUR 14 million ATHAZ programme to boost climate-resilient horticulture in Zimbabwe and Southern Africa
Harare, 8 October 2026 – The European Union (EU) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) today launched the Agroecological Transitions for Horticulture in Arid Zones (ATHAZ) programme, a EUR 14 million EU-funded initiative that will support smallholder famers in Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana to develop more resilient, productive and profitable horticulture systems.
In Zimbabwe, the programme brings a practical focus to one of the country’s key agricultural challenges: how to produce more sustainably and profitably in a context of water scarcity and increasing climate pressures. Building on the IFAD-supported Horticulture Enterprise Enhancement Project (HEEP), ATHAZ will work with farmers to test and adopt solutions for more efficient water use, resilient seed systems, integrated pest management and sustainable production while strengthening links to markets and opportunities for value addition. Across the three countries, ATHAZ aims to reach around 15,000 smallholder farming households, representing approximately 75,000 people, with particular attention to women and young people.
“ATHAZ builds on IFAD’s ongoing investments in irrigation and market access in Zimbabwe. By working with farmers, researchers and extension services to test and scale practical solutions, the programme will help smallholders improve productivity, use water more efficiently and access better markets for their produce,” said Francesco Rispoli, IFAD Country Director for Zimbabwe.
ATHAZ forms part of the EU’s broader partnership with Zimbabwe for a more climate-resilient, competitive and inclusive agriculture sector. EU support connects sustainable management of land and water with climate-smart production, processing, value addition and access to higher-value markets, including the EU market. At regional level, it will also generate evidence and practical experience to inform national policies and investment in sustainable horticultural systems.
“Every farmer in Zimbabwe knows what a dry season costs. Water can be the difference between a good harvest and a lost one, and it is getting harder to count on. ATHAZ starts from what farmers already know and adds research, better access to markets and investment. It means working alongside farmers, especially women and young people, to grow more with less water and to reach buyers who will pay a fair price. The EU is proud to support this, because when smallholders can make a decent living from the land, whole communities benefit,” said Francesca Fabbri, Chargée d’Affaires a.i. Delegation of the European Union to Zimbabwe.
Building on this foundation, the EU is expanding its investment in sustainable agri-value chains, particularly horticulture and drought-resilient and high-value crops, with increased access to finance, European technology, equipment and expertise. This will create new opportunities for Zimbabwean and European businesses and strengthen links to regional and international markets.
The programme will be implemented by IFAD, in partnership with the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) and Biovision Africa Trust (BvAT), working with national research and extension systems, farmer organisations, governments and private-sector actors. Across Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana, the programme will establish nine innovation hubs and strengthen 30 horticultural value chains, while sharing evidence and lessons to support wider uptake of successful approaches.
By linking farmers’ knowledge and innovation with research, markets and investment, ATHAZ seeks to demonstrate how climate-resilient horticulture can become a viable pathway to stronger rural livelihoods and more sustainable food systems in Southern Africa.
About ATHAZ
ATHAZ is a EUR 14 million EU-funded DeSIRA+ programme implemented in Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana from 2026 to 2030. It is coordinated by IFAD, with technical support from icipe, FiBL and Biovision Africa Trust (BvAT).
About EU support to sustainable agriculture in Zimbabwe
The EU supports Zimbabwe’s transition towards climate-resilient and competitive agriculture by connecting sustainable land and water management, agricultural innovation and production with value addition, markets and investment, while creating economic opportunities for smallholder farmers, women and young people.