Urban farmers are being encouraged to seek permits from their local authorities so that they can operate legally in the urban farming areas. This comes after the government announced that an estimated 500 000 urban households will benefit from the Presidential Input Scheme Intwasa/Pfumvudza for the 2022/2023 farming season.

Farmers are encouraged to get in touch with their local authorities so that they know what areas to utilize to avoid farming in wetlands, as it will damage the environment through the use of different agricultural chemicals, and it will end up being a cost for the local authorities.

The Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union (ZCFU) president, Dr. Shadreck Makombe, acknowledged the importance of seeking permits from the council as a bold move. “Those local authorities who are encouraging urban farmers to approach them and seek permission to work on different pieces of land are doing the right thing.” He insisted.

Speaking for Harare City Council, the acting corporate communications manager, Mr. Innocent Ruwende, indicated that farmers should approach the city council for permits to avoid having their crops slashed and other conflicts between both parties. He said, “Those who want to partake in agriculture should come and seek permission from us.” Mr. Ruwende also added, “We put notices on places where agriculture should not be done so that we do not come to a point where we have to slash crops.”