Tinotenda Mhiko, CEO of the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) of Zimbabwe, was named the winner of the Africa Food Prize for Excellence in Agricultural Leadership on September 5, 2024, in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda.
He was given a $100,000 prize for his leadership and inventiveness in helping Zimbabwe’s food systems change by advancing food security through strategic irrigation initiatives.
At ARDA, Mhiko’s visionary leadership has been very impressive and has helped Zimbabwe overcome some of the most pressing agricultural issues, like frequent droughts, erratic rainfall, and widespread land degradation.
His striking and innovative techniques have extended the region under water system from 6,000 hectares in 2016 to an expanded 15,000 hectares by 2025, positioning ARDA as a model of sustainability and profitability in African horticulture.
By upgrading irrigation infrastructure, integrating advanced technologies like drip irrigation and solar-powered systems, and diversifying crop production, Mhiko through ARDA has significantly improved water use efficiency, boosted crop yields, and strengthened resilience to climate change.
In addition to improving food security, these accomplishments have sparked national economic growth.
Under Mhiko’s initiative, ARDA has also developed a culture of cooperation and advancement, drawing in partners and building partnerships with government bodies, private sector players, and global development organisations.
His work sets a standard for agricultural transformation in Zimbabwe and beyond by illustrating a holistic and adaptable irrigation strategy that takes into account technical, financial, and environmental considerations.
The $100,000 Africa Food Prize awards Africans who are leading extraordinary rural drives. In order to usher in a new era of economic opportunity and food security, it highlights bold initiatives and technical innovations that can be replicated across the continent.
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In addition to recognizing individual excellence, the award this year also emphasizes the significance of working together to address the numerous issues confronting Africa’s food systems.
Mr. Mhiko stated in his acceptance speech.
“I have worked will all classes of farmers over 15year s to improve productivity. Over time I have found that the first step to achieving this is innovation. We have implemented impactful models alongside the use of technological innovations which have helped achieve this.”
The Africa Food Prize honors groundbreaking agricultural work and encourages individuals, organizations, and governments to support similar initiatives and invest in the future of agriculture in Africa.
The prize solicits nominations for individuals or organizations that are leading efforts to transform farming in Africa, focusing on job creation, nutrition security, and the reduction of poverty.
Criteria that evaluate the impact, scalability, and sustainability of agricultural programs are used to evaluate nominations.
