Egerine Maifa, a farmer in Mutasa district, Zimbabwe, transitioned from sugar bean farming to tilapia fish farming in 2017. Initially successful, her venture faced challenges when the cost of fish feed soared due to economic changes in Zimbabwe, including the separation of US dollar and 'bond' bank balances and the abolishment of foreign currency for local transactions. The price of a 25kg bag of feed rose from US$18 to $350 Zimbabwe dollars (equivalent to US$23). To combat this, Maifa adopted alternative feeding methods using local ingredients like river tamarind leaves and sweet potato, which reduced costs without compromising fish quality. The charity Practical Action has supported local farmers with workshops on alternative feeds and is seeking local entrepreneurs to partner in local feed formulation to help farmers cope with rising feed prices.

Zimbabwe is facing significant deforestation, with a substantial portion resulting from tobacco curing. To address this, the Forestry Commission of Zimbabwe (FCZ) and the Sustainable Afforestation Association (SAA), supported by tobacco merchants, have initiated reforestation programs. Farmers contribute to a reforestation fund managed by FCZ, while the SAA, established by tobacco buyers, funds tree planting efforts. Since 2014, the SAA has seen an increase in participating merchants and has planted around 20,000 hectares of trees. The FCZ reports that 330,000 hectares of forest are lost annually, with tobacco curing by smallholder farmers being a major contributor due to their reliance on wood instead of coal.

The article by Daisy Jeremani discusses a new development in Zimbabwe's railway sector, where Russia's United Wagon Company has agreed to supply 100 wagons to the National Railways of Zimbabwe. This deal is seen as a beacon of hope for investment in the country's railway infrastructure. However, the article also mentions a setback as a proposed US$1 billion recapitalisation programme for the National Railways of Zimbabwe collapsed in October, leading to further delays in essential enhancements to the railway system.

Shasha Tobacco, a Zimbabwean tobacco leaf merchant, is optimistic about the government's financing localization plan, which aims to provide local funding for tobacco cultivation. Augusta Ajento, the company's finance and administration executive, believes this initiative will not only generate employment but also support related industries such as packaging, fertilizer manufacturing, banking, and insurance. Ajento does not see the plan as a threat to contract farming but rather as a means to improve efficiency and reduce overpricing. He expects that the availability of local funds at lower costs will decrease the interest burden on farmers. Shasha Tobacco, which contracts 4,800 growers annually, plans to retain them by maintaining professional relationships and offering fair deals. Ajento also emphasizes the need for increased technical support and training for farmers to enhance productivity and leaf quality.

The article discusses the growing trend among Zimbabwean farmers to rear indigenous poultry, known as 'road runners', due to the high cost of feed and management requirements for broilers, and the increasing demand for healthier, traditional food options. Jane Murenje, a farmer from Bulawayo, has successfully increased her earnings by selling road runner eggs and hatching chicks. Tafanana Chiwashira, another Bulawayo farmer, turned to indigenous chickens for health reasons and subsequently developed a profitable business selling chickens, chicks, and eggs. The Zimbabwe Free Range Poultry Association (ZFRPA), with a membership of around 1,200, supports farmers in sustainable free-range poultry production and marketing, empowering women, children, the elderly, and youths. The article highlights the benefits of indigenous poultry farming, including the use of natural foods and ethno-veterinary medicines based on indigenous knowledge systems.