Zimbabwe is an agro-based economy, with about 70% of the population relying on agriculture as a means of livelihood. Grain food production in Zimbabwe has declined over the years. Estimates for Zimbabwe’s annual corn requirement for human consumption is about 1.6 million tons and an additional 350,000 tons of corn for livestock feed. Average range for national corn demand is between 1.9 million tons to 2.0 million tons. The main challenges facing agricultural production are insufficient inputs, inadequate draft power, labor migration agrarian reform and climate change induced drought.

The farmer extension ratio is currently far below what is recommended (1 extension worker to 800 households), and this affects dissemination of farming knowledge to farmers.  Poor agricultural production and poor market linkages have impacted negatively on household incomes, thereby making farmers vulnerable to a variety of shocks. Zimbabwe’s economy and food security situation remains fragile.  The deteriorating economic situation exacerbated the already rising vulnerability in both rural and urban communities. Inadequate utilization of infrastructure and lack of back up financial support has also had an adverse impact on income generation and food security. Gender imbalances have also led to women not having access and control of resources which has also negatively affected agricultural production and income generation mostly in small holder communities. Hand in Hand Zimbabwe’s interventions contribute to increased agricultural production and household income and economic empowerment of women in targeted communities. The organization has an untapped niche of business development that contributes to mitigating food insecurity for small holder farmers.