In Zimbabwe, Grow Further is partnering with ICRISAT and HarvestPlus to introduce iron rich, drought tolerant pearl millet varieties that can thrive in arid conditions while addressing widespread nutritional deficiencies. Within five years, the project aims to reach 100,000 smallholder farmers directly and improve the nutrition of hundreds of thousands of children and women.
Pearl millet thrives in drylands but traditional varieties fall short in both nutrition and yield. In Zimbabwe, iron deficiency affects over 70% of women and children.
Biofortified millet offers a powerful solution providing higher iron content, improved harvests, and greater resilience to drought and poor soils.
Farmers reached to improve nutrition for hundreds of thousands of children and women within five years.
Zimbabwe’s farmers are facing more frequent droughts and poor soil fertility. These improved millet varieties are bred to perform in tough conditions. Stronger crops mean more stable food supplies in a changing climate.
This project addresses iron deficiency, a major cause of childhood malnutrition, by introducing a nutrient-rich millet variety containing up to 110 ppm of iron, significantly higher than traditional types. Community outreach supports families in making it a regular part of their diets.
Eight high-performing millet lines developed by ICRISAT are being tested across Zimbabwe. The best varieties will be released based on results and farmer feedback. Seed multiplication and distribution will follow, supported by strong community and farmer involvement.
The project strengthens the entire millet value chain from seed to market. Improved seed will reach 100,000 farmers directly, with an additional 400,000 benefiting through informal sharing. Partnerships with seed companies, food processors, and cooperatives will ensure long-term scale and sustainability.
