ATHAZ – Agroecological Transitions for Horticulture in Arid Zones is a €14 million initiative funded by the European Union under its DeSIRA+ programme coordinated by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and implemented with technical support from the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) and Biovision Africa Trust (BvAT).
Running from 2026 to 2030, the programme targets Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe, aiming to benefit approximately 15,000 smallholder farming households, representing 75,000 people, with particular attention to women and young people.
Running from 2026 to 2030, the programme targets Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe, aiming to benefit approximately 15,000 smallholder farming households, representing 75,000 people, with particular attention to women and young people.
The programme seeks to accelerate agroecological transitions by combining farmer-led innovation, scientific research, sustainable natural resource management and stronger market linkages.
- From research to farmer-led innovation
- A central feature of ATHAZ is the establishment of nine agroecological innovation hubs across the three participating countries, providing platforms for collaboration among farmers, researchers, extension services, private-sector actors and policymakers.
- These hubs will facilitate the testing, adaptation and scaling of practical solutions addressing water-use efficiency, soil health, resilient seed systems, integrated pest management and sustainable horticultural production.
- ATHAZ also aims to strengthen 30 horticultural value chains, creating opportunities for improved processing, value addition, market access and rural employment.
The Gaborone inception workshop
For Botswana, where agricultural production is particularly vulnerable to drought and water scarcity, the initiative offers opportunities to strengthen locally adapted horticultural systems while promoting environmentally sustainable production and economic diversification.
The Gaborone inception workshop highlighted the importance of collaboration between national agricultural research and extension systems, farmer organisations, development partners and private-sector stakeholders
The workshop provided an opportunity to bring attention to the challenges and opportunities facing smallholder farmers in arid and semi-arid regions, where water scarcity, climate variability and limited market access continue to constrain agricultural productivity and livelihoods.
The second day discussed the priority areas for the ATHAZ program in Botswana.
Video recording: the 2 hours recording by the Botswana TV of the first day
Note the presentation by Dr. Fenton Beed IFAD Lead Agronomist starting @ 56:50
The Harare / Zambia inception workshop
8 October 2026. Harare, Zimbabwe – The European Union (EU) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) launched in Zimbabwe 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.
"Horticulture is one of the most dynamic and high-potential sectors in Zimbabwe's agricultural economy. Zimbabwe's horticulture exports have rebounded from a low of US$ 20 million in the early 2000s to over US$ 120 million annually since 2023. Yet, our horticulture sector faces significant constraints thus water scarcity, high pest pressure, reliance on chemicals, weak market linkages and limited access to quality planting material." Ms Mildred Mapani, Director for Strategic Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation in behalf of Professor Obert Jiri the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development Zimbabwe
ATHAZ is designed to address these constraints head-on. By establishing three Agroecological Innovation Hubs in Zimbabwe, developed in collaboration with farmers and local partners, we will:
- Test and validate climate-smart horticultural practices;
- Strengthen market linkages and value chain integration;
- Enhance access to quality planting material and inputs;
- Build capacity of farmers, extension officers, and local institutions; and
- Generate evidence to inform policy and scale-up.
The choice to build on HEEP's existing structures (Village Business Units, Agricultural Producer Groups and irrigation infrastructure) is deliberate and strategic. We are not creating parallel delivery mechanisms; we are strengthening and enhancing what already works."
The Lusaka / Zambia inception workshop
22 October 2026. Lusaka, Zambia. Inception workshop for the Agroecological Transitions for Horticulture in Arid Zones (ATHAZ) programme in Lusaka.
The investment comes as Zambia seeks to expand agricultural production in areas where unreliable rainfall and limited water supplies constrain farming. In Zambia, efforts to strengthen horticulture are increasingly focusing on sustainable farming practices and more efficient water use to help farmers maintain production under these conditions.
"Sustainable farming practices and efficient water use are critical to sustaining agricultural production. Government recognises the need to help farmers adapt to changing conditions and sustain production in water-stressed areas. Improving irrigation, promoting sustainable land management and strengthening farmers’ capacity to adopt appropriate agricultural practices are important to maintaining production and making horticulture more commercially viable in areas with limited water resources." Dr. Chizumba Shempande Acting Permanent Secretary for Administration in the Ministry of Agriculture,
"The initiative will promote resilient production systems and strengthen agricultural value chains. ATHAZ supports Zambia’s agricultural transformation through climate-resilient horticulture, efficient water use, stronger value chains and more stable incomes for rural communities. Planned interventions include water-efficient irrigation systems, drought-tolerant seed varieties, integrated pest management, improved soil and nutrient management, and crop diversification." Lana Žutelija European Union Delegation to Zambia and COMESA Team Leader for Environment and Climate, Agriculture, Private Sector and Trade
"The programme will work with Government to address production challenges and improve farmers’ access to profitable markets. ATHAZ will establish Agroecological Innovation Hubs, bringing together farmers, researchers and extension services to test and scale solutions suited to local conditions. Its success will ultimately depend on how effectively the interventions reach farmers and translate into improved production, stronger market access and better livelihoods. Dr. Fenton Beed IFAD Lead Agronomist
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