daglous masveta
Elton Manguwo
STAKEHOLDERS in the agriculture sector have acknowledged smallholder farmers’ crucial role in growing the country’s export bill saying the farmers were driving economic growth and helping expand export opportunities.
Speaking during the recent horticulture forum hosted by the Horticultural Development Council (HDC) in Harare, local horticulture concern, Kuminda’s chief executive officer Mr Clarence Mwale said approximately 1, 5 million smallholder farmers managed an average of two hectares of land each.
“The substantial area cultivated by these smallholder farmers represents a significant portion of the agriculture landscape that cannot be overlooked,” said Mr Mwale.
By penetrating international markets, smallholder farmers do not only increase their incomes but also contribute significantly to the country’s economic growth.
“Smallholder farmers should be actively integrated into the export market,” said Mr Mwale.
He emphasised the importance of giving the farmers the necessary support and resources to compete on a global scale.
Kuminda in collaboration with the national trade promotion and development organisation, ZimTrade, have been working on various initiatives such as dividing farmers into production clusters to enhance production and productivity.
“Recognising this potential, we have initiated a comprehensive project aimed at improving their access to markets to enable them to sell their produce at fair prices as well as connect with a broader customer base,” said Mr Mwale.
Although costly, the project is essential for empowering these farmers to maximise their productivity and profitability, he observed.
“With the right training, infrastructure, and investment, small farmers can thrive in the export sector and also participate in developing their communities and enhance food security,” said Mr Mwale.
The Government has been running various training programmes on best agricultural practices, financial literacy and sustainable farming techniques to ensure that farmers are equipped with the necessary skills to thrive in competitive markets.
HDC chief executive officer, Mrs Linda Nielsen highlighted the immense potential Zimbabwe’s horticulture sector has and pointed out how it can expand into a US$2, 4 billion powerhouse.
She added that it was necessary to foster long-term investment initiatives and promote supportive polices to achieve this ambitious goal.
“Such policies would not only stimulate growth within the horticulture sector but also play a crucial role in generating quality employment opportunities for the Zimbabwean population,” said Mrs Nielsen.
Mrs Nielsen said by creating an environment that attracted both local and foreign investors, the country could enhance agricultural productivity, promote innovation and improve the overall growth of value chains.
This benchmark involves collaboration among Government, industry stakeholders and the farming community to implement sustainable practices and promote training programmes that equip farmers with the skills needed to succeed in a competitive market.
Recently, the country saw a notable surge in exports, largely propelled by a 5, 2 percent increase in horticultural exports.
“This rise reflects not only the growing demand for fresh produce in international markets but also the enhanced capabilities of local farmers to meet these demands,” said Mrs Nielsen.
leeroy mupariri
