EU supports launch of STOSAR II to strengthen agricultural systems in Zimbabwe and the SADC region

EU supports launch of STOSAR II to strengthen agricultural systems in Zimbabwe and the SADC region

The EU has launched the second phase of a €10 million regional agriculture project in Zimbabwe, together with FAO, SADC, and the Government of Zimbabwe. Building on earlier successes, STOSAR II will strengthen agricultural data systems, boost plant and animal health, and empower farmers-especially women and youth-to thrive in inclusive value chains.

Harare, 18 September 2025 - The European Union, together with the Government of Zimbabwe, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat, officially launched the second phase of the Support Towards the Operationalization of the SADC Regional Agricultural Policy (STOSAR II) project.

Funded by the EU with an investment of EUR 10 million under the DeSIRA (Development of Smart Innovation through Research in Agriculture) programme, STOSAR II (2025-2028) builds on the successes of STOSAR I (2018-2024). The project aims to accelerate the transformation of agriculture and food systems across the 16 SADC Member States, with a strong emphasis on resilience, inclusivity, and sustainability.

"STOSAR II will help knit together the region's efforts: improving how information is shared, reinforcing protection against cross-border pests and diseases, enhancing food and nutrition security monitoring, and ensuring that smallholders, women, and youth are part of the opportunities created," said Sara Piccoli, Programme Manager - Agriculture, Environment and Trade, at the EU Delegation to Zimbabwe.

In Zimbabwe, the project will focus on four strategic areas:

• Enhancing agricultural information systems to support evidence-based policymaking;
• Strengthening plant and animal health systems to boost trade and market access;
• Improving food and nutrition security monitoring through robust early warning mechanisms;
• Promoting inclusive value chains that empower women, youth, and small and medium-sized enterprises to thrive in sustainable, climate-smart agricultural markets.

STOSAR II directly supports Zimbabwe's national agricultural development priorities while advancing SADC's Regional Agricultural Policy and the RISDP 2020-2030. Through its emphasis on regional integration, the project will help harmonise approaches to agricultural health, nutrition, and trade, while facilitating cross-border cooperation.

The two-day launch brought together stakeholders from government, FAO, SADC, the EU, and technical experts to identify priorities and validate national thematic workplans. This participatory process will culminate in a co-owned roadmap for implementation, ensuring Zimbabwe's agricultural systems are better equipped to manage transboundary challenges, improve competitiveness, and contribute to food security across the region.

The EU remains committed to supporting Zimbabwe and the SADC region in building resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food systems that benefit farmers, communities, and future generations.

Partners and Stakeholders
STOSAR II is funded by the EU under the DeSIRA programme, with the Government of Zimbabwe, FAO, and the SADC Secretariat as key partners. Together, they bring leadership, expertise, and regional coordination to strengthen agricultural systems and food security.

Read more on the FAO website → here.