Plastics have become deeply embedded in agriculture worldwide.
From mulch films and drip irrigation systems to silage wraps, greenhouse covers, seedling trays, and packaging, they are now indispensable tools for modern farming.
Their benefits are undeniable: higher yields, better water management, reduced post-harvest losses, and improved food quality.
Yet, plastics also bring unintended consequences when poorly managed. They accumulate in soils, pollute rivers, and ultimately threaten the very ecosystems agriculture depends on.
Farmers—large and small alike—rely on plastics to boost productivity, but lack of waste management systems and weak regulation often mean that used plastics are burned, buried, or discarded in fields.
This creates environmental hazards and undermines sustainability.
Finding solutions is not just a global necessity; it is a national priority for Zimbabwe as it seeks to modernize agriculture while protecting its environment.
The use of plastics in agriculture, often referred to as “plasticulture,” has become widespread for good reasons.
Mulch films help regulate soil temperature, suppress weeds, and reduce water evaporation—critical in a drought-prone countries.
Drip irrigation systems, often made from plastic pipes, have transformed water management, allowing farmers to produce crops even under erratic rainfall.
In horticulture, plastics are vital. Seedling trays and greenhouse covers enable farmers to nurture crops like tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers year-round.
For livestock farmers, silage wraps preserve fodder, while plastic packaging protects fresh produce as it travels from farms to markets. Without plastics, food losses along Zimbabwe’s already fragile supply chain would be even greater.
Plastics, then, are not the enemy. The real problem is what happens when they reach the end of their useful life.
Unlike organic inputs, plastics do not decompose naturally.
They break down into smaller particles, creating microplastics that remain in soils for decades.
These residues affect soil health, water infiltration, and even crop productivity. Burning plastics—a common practice in rural Zimbabwe—emits toxic fumes that threaten both human and animal health.
Zimbabwe already faces environmental challenges from land degradation, deforestation, and poor waste management. Adding plastic pollution to this list worsens the situation.
Urban rivers such as the Mukuvisi in Harare are increasingly clogged with plastic waste, much of it agricultural in origin.
In rural areas, discarded drip lines and mulch films litter fields, creating an eyesore and long-term ecological risks.
Globally, the FAO estimates that agricultural plastics account for 12% of total plastic use.
In Zimbabwe, although there are no official figures, anecdotal evidence from horticultural hubs like Mazowe, Nyanga, and Mutoko suggests plastic use is rising rapidly.
Without intervention, Zimbabwe risks replicating the global plastic pollution crisis on its own farmland.
Addressing this problem requires a multi-pronged approach that balances agricultural productivity with environmental protection.
Zimbabwe can explore biodegradable mulch films and compostable packaging. These materials decompose into harmless organic matter, reducing pollution risks.
However, they are more expensive than conventional plastics. Government subsidies, pilot projects, and research partnerships with local universities could make these alternatives affordable for farmers.
One of Zimbabwe’s biggest challenges is the lack of rural waste collection infrastructure. Farmers in remote areas have nowhere to take used plastics.
Establishing collection points in farming communities, supported by farmer cooperatives and private recyclers, could bridge this gap.
Recycling businesses in cities like Harare and Bulawayo are already thriving; linking them to rural agricultural waste streams would create jobs and reduce pollution.
Rather than single-use plastics, durable options such as reusable crates, long-lasting irrigation pipes, and high-quality greenhouse covers should be encouraged.
Import standards could be adjusted to favour products designed for multiple growing seasons. Over time, this reduces costs for farmers while minimizing waste.
Many farmers are unaware of the long-term dangers of burning or burying plastics.
Agricultural extension officers, NGOs, and farmer unions can raise awareness about safer disposal practices and the availability of recycling options. Community-based clean-up campaigns could reinforce positive behaviour.
Zimbabwe already has a plastic bag levy in retail, but agricultural plastics remain unregulated.
A comprehensive policy framework is needed—covering import standards, disposal guidelines, and incentives for recycling.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes could be introduced, making manufacturers and importers responsible for the waste generated by their products.
Local research institutions can play a critical role in finding context-specific solutions.
For example, experiments with organic mulching using crop residues, or low-cost biodegradable plastics made from maize or cassava starch, could reduce dependence on synthetic plastics.
Supporting local innovators would create solutions suited to Zimbabwe’s climate and economy.
Countries like Spain and Israel, both leaders in horticulture, have shown that agricultural plastics can be managed sustainably.
They run take-back schemes where farmers return used plastics for recycling, often at no extra cost. Rwanda has pioneered strict regulation on plastic use, demonstrating that strong policy can drive behavioral change.
Zimbabwe can learn from these models while adapting them to local realities. Given the importance of smallholder farmers, any system must be affordable, accessible, and community-driven.
Zimbabwe is at a crossroads. The country’s Vision 2030 agenda emphasizes agricultural modernisation and environmental sustainability. Managing plastics responsibly fits squarely within this vision. It offers a chance to boost productivity without sacrificing long-term ecological health.
Moreover, sustainable plastic management could open new economic opportunities.
Recycling and biodegradable plastic production are industries with job-creation potential, particularly for young people.
Linking agriculture, waste management, and entrepreneurship could provide livelihoods while tackling pollution.
The sustainable use and management of plastics in agriculture is not just a technical challenge; it is a test of Zimbabwe’s commitment to building resilient food systems.
Plastics have helped farmers produce more food, save water, and reduce losses—but their mismanagement threatens soil health, ecosystems, and public well-being.
Zimbabwe must act now: promoting biodegradable alternatives, investing in recycling infrastructure, enforcing smart policies, and educating farmers.
By doing so, it can turn plastics from an environmental threat into a managed resource that supports both productivity and sustainability.