Eastern Zimbabwe's maize producers face significant climate-related challenges, necessitating innovative adaptation strategies to enhance agricultural resilience. A qualitative study employing semi-structured interviews with 30 farmers from selected districts, focusing on experiences, challenges, and perceived benefits of climate-smart agricultural practices. Farmers reported a preference for agroforestry integration over traditional farming methods, demonstrating a significant shift towards more resilient land use patterns (85%). The study highlights the importance of farmer-led adaptation strategies in enhancing maize producers' resilience to climate change. Findings suggest that integrating agroforestry can significantly improve soil health and reduce vulnerability. Policy makers should prioritise funding for research into climate-resilient agricultural practices, particularly those involving agroforestry integration, among Eastern Zimbabwe’s maize producers. climate resilience, agriculture adaptation, farmer-led approaches, Eastern Zimbabwe, agroforestry