Policies

Institutions

Two ministries are mainly involved in irrigation and water management in Zimbabwe, including their respective departments and parastatal agencies:

 The Minister of Environment, Water and Climate (MEWC), formulates policies for the utilization of Zimbabwe water mainly through:

 The Department of Water Resources Planning and Management has the responsibility to plan for the development, use and protection of the country’s water resources, including the design and management of the dams.

 The Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) is a parastatal agency working in the framework of the seven water catchments, and with their respective catchment councils. The organization plays an important role in the management of the water permit system and the operationalization of water pricing.

 The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) controls water pollution.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development (MAMID) is responsible for the overall development and implementation of the government’s policy on agriculture and irrigation:

 The Department of Irrigation Development (DID) is mandated with the provision of irrigation services to the farming community to enhance agricultural production and productivity, which include planning, identification of schemes, designing, construction, operation and management of existing irrigation schemes.

 The Department of Agricultural Technical and Extension Services (Agritex) provides technical and advisory services to farmers.

 The Agriculture and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) is a parastatal agency responsible for the operation of government-owned irrigated estates and farms. It works closely with the DID.

 The Zimbabwe Irrigation Technology Centre (ZITC), houses the Research, Testing and Technology Development branch of the DID.