An exploratory study into the establishment of agricultural innovation platforms to improve agricultural efficiency in Hwedza district, Zimbabwe

Africa has suffered a series of challenges around food insecurities which are partly explained by inefficient agricultural systems. The agricultural innovation platforms have been popularized in Africa and Zimbabwe in particular as part of the answer to the many agricultural problems that include depressed productivity on the continent. The main aim of the study was to examine the intricate dynamics around the establishment and operationalization of the agricultural innovation platforms in Hwedza. This article is based on my PhD research that was carried out extensively through qualitative approaches for a period of twelve months in Hwedza district. I discuss the formation of the agricultural innovation platforms in Hwedza, including the selection of the villages from which small-scale farmers were drawn to become part of the platforms as well the subsequent operationalization of the platforms. Findings showed that local farmers have the capacity to initiate and implement transforming agricultural interventions that can improve agricultural productivity. I also argue that many of Africa’s agricultural problems require a locally bred solution that resonates with African philosophy and ways of doing things.