Challenging ‘conventional agriculture’: assessing the evolution and development of the Zimbabwe Smallholder Organic Farmers’ Forum as a social movement organisation

This article analyses the emergence and evolution of the Zimbabwe Smallholder Organic Farmers’ Forum (ZIMSOFF) as a social movement organisation, focusing on factors which have enabled and hindered ZIMSOFF to meaningfully influence the trajectory of agrarian change in Zimbabwe. While in its early stages ZIMSOFF was heavily shaped by a non-governmental organisation (NGO), it later embarked on a path towards greater autonomy which it still retains, despite donor dependence. Some degree of NGO-isation is nonetheless evident in ZIMSOFF’s operation and structure. ZIMSOFF’s mobilisation of peasants emphasises agroecology as a practical tool to resist the domination of agribusiness in organising farming in rural areas, prioritising unity and commitment over a large membership. Its gender equity and youth inclusion efforts also stand out as considerable sources of strength. However, as ZIMSOFF aspires to transform into a social movement with wider reach and greater political influence, it will have to navigate some challenges, including uneven geographic and class representation and capacity for agroecology within its ranks.