By Nevanji Munyaradzi Chiondegwa
Harare – The Agricultural and Rural Development Authority of Zimbabwe (ARDA) CEO, Mr. Tinotenda Mhiko, was awarded the 2024 Africa Food Prize at the recent Africa Food Systems Forum in Kigali, Rwanda.
The $100,000 award recognized Mr. Mhiko’s groundbreaking leadership and innovation in advancing food security through strategic irrigation initiatives that are revolutionizing Zimbabwe’s food systems.
His Excellency, President Emmerson Mnangagwa congratulated Mhiko on his achievement, highlighting the significance of this recognition for Zimbabwe’s agricultural transformation.
“This is a testimony of what Zimbabwe is doing, and of course the guidance of His Excellency in agricultural transformation, the strides that we have made in rural development,” said Professor Jiri, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development. “This award recognizes those transformational efforts that have been made, particularly looking at making farming as a business for small-holder farmers.”
Mhiko’s work has focused on revolutionizing Zimbabwe’s food systems, making significant strides in empowering smallholder farmers and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. His efforts have not gone unnoticed, with the Africa Food Prize shining a light on the impactful work being done in Zimbabwe.
“The Africa Food Prize itself and the cadre of winners it creates also signals to the world that food systems and small-holder agriculture is on the path to prosperity of Africa,” said an official statement from the Africa Food Prize committee. “It is the only prize fund and initiative in the continent that is dedicated solely to agriculture and food systems and elevating individuals and organizations whose efforts are changing the reality of farming in Africa.”
A seasoned agricultural expert, Mhiko has dedicated over 15 years to driving agri-food systems across ten African countries, primarily focusing on Zimbabwe.
“I have done a lot for the past 15 years, in the agricultural landscape; my main focus being driving agri-food systems, working with all sectors of farmers from small scale, medium to large scale farmers across 10 African countries, mostly Zimbabwe,” said Mhiko.
This prestigious award not only celebrates Mhiko’s accomplishments but also highlights the growing importance of innovative and sustainable agricultural practices in ensuring food security across Africa.
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