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Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) Chief Executive Officer Tinotenda Mhiko won the coveted US$100,000 Africa Food Prize that celebrates Africans who are taking control of the continent’s agriculture agenda.
The prize reflects bold initiatives and technical innovations that can be replicated across the continent to create a new era of food security and economic opportunity for all Africans.
In his acceptance speech at the Awards Dinner Gala at Kigali Conference Centre (KCC) yesterday, he said, “ At the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority of Zimbabwe, we have introduced and implemented various agricultural models, which have revolutionized our agricultural space, transforming agricultural production for the rural small-holder farmers, medium and large-scale commercial farmers across the 10 provinces in the country.
Our small-holder farmers have been converted from peasant and subsistent producers to surplus and commercially oriented growers whose yields for cereals have reached as high as five (5) tonnes per hectare through implementation and adoption of our climate proofing and derisking models”.
He said farmers play a pivotal role in feeding communities and contributing to global food security.
“Doubtlessly, this award serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of our work and the impact we have on people’s lives every other day. As we celebrate this achievement, I’m reminded that our work is never truly done. We face new challenges and opportunities every season – from adapting to climate change to innovating sustainable farming practices. I hope this award inspires others, especially the youth, to join us in shaping the future of agriculture for the continued sustenance of human existence.
“Thank you ARGA once again for this incredible honour. I accept this award not just as recognition of my own efforts, but as a call to continue pushing boundaries, embracing innovation, and nurturing the land we have been entrusted with. Let’s keep growing together and make our beloved continent food secure and self-sufficient!” Mhiko added.
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