Diaspora Matters

The good news is that this year the country has received above average rainfall and this helped our Madagascar Lima Beans Farming Trials. Although only a few farmers managed to transfer from backyards to open fields.

1. Objective: To grow Madagascar Lima Beans for Food Security and Access To Capital
2. Start date of Research: October 2023

1. No of start plants: 3 plants
2. Trials Phases Approaches: (1) Backyard Farming to multiply seeds, (2)transfer to open fields and eventually (2)big plots and farms.
3. Trial phase status: Stage 2
4. Observations: Good crop thanks to a good  season. Crops organically grown (no fertilizer application). Early flowering stage in process.
5. Challenges: Trellis support—had underestimated the need for adequate support, but trying.

The last time a world survey was done by IMF—Zimbabwe came second when it comes to the informal sector in the world, just a few inches from Bolivia.

The second biggest per capita informal sector under the sun!

And you don’t need to look too far—your home, street, church, workplace, social media. Even at traffic lights—vendors everywhere. Maybe you could be forgiven for thinking those formally employed are sticking to employment business?

Think again as even ministers have farms where they have some weekend business to do. Pastors, lecturers—noone is spared. Everyone looking for money. Some you may not even see them like the diaspora involved in business activities back home.

Our colleagues working at cruise ships also join entrepreneurship when back home.

This brings us to an important question—How can the government support entrepreneurship in Zimbabwe?

The number is too big from Siakobvu, Chiredzi, Nyamapanda, Beitbridge , Plumtree, Dotito to Mt Selinda.

Current interventions:

• Support to agri-preneurs in rural areas and farming regions
• Support to artisanal miners
• Developmental partners support to villagers

It is easy to track progress in terms of support to certain rural regions—support from the Government and Developmental Partners. Be it inputs in agricultural initiatives such as Pfumbvudza or Development Partners such as CARE, GOAL, EU and others.

The Headache: Urban Areas

Take a walk in Epworth, Dzivaresekwa, Mzilikazi, Makokoba, Mkoba, Vhengere, Chipadze, Waverley, Dombotombo, Sakubva, Chikonohono and others. Pick random entrepreneurs and ask what sort of support they have received in their business endeavours?

• Ask them the sort of support available to small businesses?
• Ask them about organizations that support small businesses?
• Ask too if they know anyone who has received support in their businesses?

Out of a survey sample of 100, count yourself extremely lucky if 2 interviewees say they know of any organization that represents small businesses. Technically no one has received support. Small businesses support is non existent in Zimbabwe!

Of course this is not to belittle the sterling work done by Old Mutual, Women’s Bank,  University Innovation Hubs, Zimtrade and others—but whatever great work is going on—the folks on the streets don’t know about it.

We need to reach a level where identification of support institutions is as easy as Lobels Bread.

Identification through direct benefits—or knowledge of someone who did.

The focus on providing professional workspaces is noble—but the numbers that need support is overwhelming. We are talking of +9 million entrepreneurs.

Recommendations

The ongoing SME survey a great starting point—although a few are aware of it. Am still to bump into them.

• Bring influential stakeholders to the table—Relevant Government Ministries,  ZIMRA, Councils, Universities, Financial Institutions, Mobile Telecommunication Companies, Public Media, Development Partners, SME Associations, ICT Leaders, Pension Funds, Medical Societies, Insurance Companies, Diaspora Communities.
• Brainstorm on how you can leverage on AI to reach out all corners of Zimbabwe including the diaspora—leave noone behind and this is where Mobile Telecommunication Companies, ICT companies, Financial Institutions and Public Media will come in.
• Using AI—find innovative ways to address the needs of entrepreneurs. Access To Capital, Opportunities such as; grants, loans, tenders, workshops etc. How can Mukuru help on remittances for business start-ups? How can Ecocash on Roundtables? How can FBC Amarounds reach to small businesses in Tsholotsho or Nkayi?
• Development partners could bring some of the best tech expertise and skills from home countries. What is it they are successfully doing locally and internationally? What are the best practices that can be implemented nationally?

We believe Zimbabwe needs to appreciate that it’s a unique country as second world best—and therefore should implement world best approaches to entrepreneurship support. We cannot 100 %copy South Africa—they are not world best. Yes they have some of the best support models and we could pick a few tips. We need models that brings world leaders to Zimbabwe and learn from us. Countries going through the same challenges need to learn from us.

And the good news? It doesn’t cost much but will bring immense economic development benefits.

The first stage our Madagascar Lima Beans Farming involved backyard farming from December 2023-December 2024. Due to unavailability of the seeds, we distributed at least 3000 free seeds to our Subscribed Members, Mompreneurs, Mutare, Byo, SA and Western Cape Chapters.

Ultimate Goal?

• Develop a seed bank and move onto big spaces.
• Be food secure and,
• Sell the tasty beans and generate profits,
• Use profits to expand the beans project, and

• Use the profits to invest in non beans farming projects.

So our farmers moved to open fields and in my case made use of  my rural area land and how is progress?

December Plants=95% write off due to erratic rains and a stubborn nhuta. Have tried pesticides but the nhuta is getting fatter from the bean seeds.

January Plants: Yes and Yes, finally there is some great progress.

Had underrated trellis support after the earlier disappointment. But looks like we got a lot of work to do. Still a few thousands, but slowly getting there using experience gained from backyard farming.

Dumisani Dube | Harare | Zimbabwe.

The recent Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) monetary policy decision announced on 6 February 2025 to reduce the foreign currency retention threshold for exporters from 75% to 70% has sent shockwaves through the agricultural sector, particularly among export farmers. This move, while aimed at bolstering the local currency, threatens to undermine the viability of export-oriented agricultural businesses, especially in an already volatile economic climate.

Zimbabwean export farmers, facing high input costs largely denominated in US dollars, have become heavily reliant on exporting their produce to secure foreign currency. This strategy allows them to hedge against the inherent risks of the local currency and ensure access to essential inputs for future production cycles.

The reduction in forex retention will directly impact farmers’ profitability. With a smaller portion of their export earnings retained in foreign currency, they will face increased difficulties in:

• Purchasing critical inputs: Importing fertilizers, seeds, and other agricultural inputs, which are often priced in US dollars, will become more expensive as they may have to source the extra foreign currency elsewhere.
• Servicing foreign currency-denominated debts: Many farmers have incurred debts in foreign currency for equipment and machinery. Reduced forex retention will make it harder to meet these obligations.
• Investing in farm improvements: Expanding operations, upgrading equipment, and implementing improved farming practices often require significant foreign currency investments.

Furthermore, the reduction in forex retention erodes the confidence of credit providers in lending to export-oriented farmers. Credit facilities often prefer to work with exporters to mitigate the risks associated with the unstable Zimbabwean dollar. The decreased incentive for exporters to retain foreign currency may discourage lenders from extending credit, further limiting farmers’ access to crucial financing.

This policy change comes at a time when Zimbabwean farmers are already grappling with numerous challenges, including unpredictable weather patterns, rising input costs, and limited access to markets. Reducing forex retention risks undermining the resilience of the agricultural sector and hindering its contribution to economic growth.

The government must carefully consider the potential negative impacts of this policy change on the agricultural sector. It is crucial to find a balance between supporting the local currency and ensuring the sustainability of the export-oriented agricultural sector, which plays a vital role in Zimbabwe’s economy and should be promoted and protected by all means.

Dumisani is an agricultural, compliance expert and lead consultant at fresh solutions Africa. He can be reached via email at freshsolutionsafrica@gmail.com. Follow us on x @fresh_solzim 

After the launch of the Madagascar Lima Beans Farming project in December 2023—how has been progress to date? The first phase was building up seed banks through urban areas backyard farming and we have done extremely well. With hundreds of participants from the forum—the good news is that we now have thousands of beans which have been harvested.

However only a few have managed to graduate to farm on bigger spaces of land but we remain hopeful that throughout the year there will be more serious farming with more transferring to bigger plots of land.

The author is one of the few to transfer to rural areas starting with close to an acre of planted seeds. So how has been progress? Mixed results registered as plants were affected by poor soils and a dry spell that came in early January 2025. The good news though is that at least 60% of the plants are doing well after a prolonged period of rains during the later period of January.

It is still a long road with a lot of learning to be experienced—but so far so good.

Dumisani Dube | Harare | Zimbabwe

This week, I visited Mbare Musika, the sprawling heart of Harare’s vegetable trade. The scene was a whirlwind of activity, with trucks arriving in the predawn hours to unload their produce. By sunrise, most of the business is already concluded, a testament to the urgency of the market. While the hustle and bustle speaks to the vibrancy of the local economy, it also highlights a critical issue: the alarming lack of food safety regulations and enforcement.

Vegetables are haphazardly unloaded from trucks onto the ground, often directly onto the dusty market floor. They are then loaded onto other vehicles, exposed to the elements, and handled with little regard for hygiene. This chaotic environment raises serious concerns about the safety of the produce reaching consumers.

Despite the millions of dollars that flow through Mbare Musika each month, food safety appears to be a low priority. Inquiries about pesticide use, origin, and production history are rare. Consumers, primarily concerned with price and appearance, often overlook the potential health risks.

To assess the true state of food safety in 2023 a local researcher sent a sample of produce from Mbare Musika to a laboratory for analysis. The results were alarming: the presence of Paraquat, a banned pesticide in Zimbabwe & most parts of the Globe, was detected. This highly toxic pesticide poses significant health risks, even at low levels of exposure. 1   

This incident underscores the urgent need for improved food safety regulations and stricter enforcement. Zimbabwe can learn from the European Union, where traceability is paramount. In the EU, selling produce without a clear origin and production history is simply not an option.

The potential for a niche market in Zimbabwe for high-quality, traceable produce is immense. By prioritizing food safety and implementing robust quality control measures, local farmers can access premium markets and significantly increase their income. Think of a scenario whereby you market your product as genuinely organically produced or simply products that are traceable back to the farm of origin, date of harvest, plot of harvest, individual harvesting the crop. I know that probably sounds impossible well that is actually very possible and is the standard in Europe and can be implemented here in Zimbabwe. Here in Zimbabwe this is being practiced at most farms growing fresh produce for the EU export market with tremendous profit margins. From a business point of view this avenue could possibly be a great business opportunity for local producers to market their fresh produce to premium markets here in Zimbabwe just like what they do in the EU.

In order to attain these mentioned levels of standards it is perhaps important to mention that one needs to invest in training in food safety standards and hygiene protocols or at the least hire a professional for this task.

It is time for a paradigm shift. Farmers must prioritize food safety practices, from farm to market. Local markets must prioritize traceability and hygiene. And consumers must become more discerning, demanding safe and responsibly produced food. The health and well-being of our communities depend on it. Look out for the next article which will focus on the fresh produce export business and how one can get into this multi- million dollar business.

Dumisani a professional agronomist and export horticulture expert who is a consultant at Fresh Solutions Africa. Contact details freshsolutionsafrica@gmail.com.

Dumisani Dube | Harare | Zimbabwe A group of 10 young farmers in Shurugwi’s Ward 11 are reaping the rewards of venturing into poultry farming, transforming their livelihoods and contributing to the local economy.

The farmers, under a contract farming arrangement with a leading poultry producer in Gweru, currently maintain an average of 7,000 broiler chickens in their modern fowl run. This venture, initiated in 2020 with support from Technoserve and funding from Anglo American Unki Mines, has seen remarkable success.

“We had very little experience when we started,” recalls one of the farmers. “But thanks to the technical guidance from Technoserve and the offtaker, we’ve managed to significantly reduce mortality rates.”

The offtaker, a key partner in the project, provides all necessary inputs, including day-old chicks and feed, while also offering continuous technical support to the farmers. This ensures optimal bird health and maximizes productivity.

The project’s impact on the farmers’ lives has been profound. With consistent earnings of between US$2 900 and US$4,100 every six weeks, these rural residents have experienced a significant boost in their income. This newfound financial stability has enabled them to send their children to school and improve their overall living standards.

“This project has completely changed our lives,” another farmer enthused. “We now have a sustainable source of income and a brighter future for our families.”

The initial investment from Anglo American Platinum, Unki Mines social development program, which included the construction of fowl runs, boreholes, and installation of solar lighting, has proven to be a catalyst for economic growth in the community. The project is now self-funding, with the farmers reinvesting their profits to expand their operations and increase production capacity.

While challenges such as weather fluctuations, charcoal fuel shortages, and recent water scarcity have been encountered, the farmers have demonstrated remarkable resilience in finding solutions. Their strong self-governance structure, guided by a strict group constitution and bylaws, has played a crucial role in ensuring the project’s sustainability and success.

This inspiring story highlights the transformative power of community-driven initiatives and the potential for rural communities to thrive through sustainable agricultural ventures. It also highlights the importance of group work in achieving great success. The group also highlighted that access to financing is not much of a challenge once a financial institution sees their books. Interesting enough is that they have had several financial institutions offering to finance them which is something rare in the current economic climate especially for small holder farmers. This is a model which should be copied and implemented in other sectors as well.

Dumisani is an agricultural & compliance expert and lead consultant at fresh solutions Africa. He can be reached via email at freshsolutionsafrica@gmail.com.

Dumisani Dube | Harare, Zimbabwe – After weeks of anxiously awaiting the arrival of the rainy season, much-needed significant rainfall has finally begun to fall across most parts of Zimbabwe, bringing a wave of relief to the nation’s farmers. In some regions, single-day rainfall totals have exceeded 60mm, a significant downpour that has significantly alleviated concerns about a potential drought. While the late onset of the rains presents challenges, farmers are cautiously optimistic and eager to capitalize on this much-needed moisture to ensure a successful agricultural season.

The unpredictable nature of the rains, largely attributed to the escalating impacts of climate change, underscores the critical need for farmers to adapt to rapidly changing weather patterns. Fortunately, advancements in agricultural technology are providing farmers with valuable tools to navigate these challenges. AI-powered weather forecasting systems and readily available smartphone applications are empowering farmers to track weather patterns more effectively, enabling them to make informed decisions about planting schedules, optimize resource allocation, and minimize potential losses.

“This year, we’re heavily reliant on weather forecasts,” says Mr. James Chikwanda, a smallholder farmer from Masvingo. “We’re using a weather app on our phones to track rainfall patterns and make informed decisions about when to plant our crops. This technology is invaluable in helping us adapt to the changing climate and improve our chances of a successful harvest.”

In many regions, these January rains mark the official start of the planting season. Farmers are eagerly sowing their seeds, with a strong preference for early-maturing maize varieties. Popular SEEDCO varieties like “Tsoko” and “Tsuro” are particularly favored due to their shorter growing periods, increasing the likelihood of a successful harvest even if the rains recede earlier than anticipated. This is crucial as climate change has increased the risk of shorter rainy seasons and unpredictable weather patterns.

Furthermore, farmers are actively implementing water harvesting techniques such as creating small dams to conserve rainwater and utilizing tied ridges to improve water infiltration and soil moisture retention. These methods complement the conservation agriculture techniques being actively promoted by the government of Zimbabwe through the Intwasa/Pfumvudza program. This program aims to enhance agricultural productivity and resilience by promoting sustainable farming practices that minimize soil erosion, improve soil fertility, and enhance water use efficiency.

This year, more than ever, strategic planning, careful seed selection, and a proactive approach to weather monitoring will be crucial for ensuring a successful harvest and safeguarding food security for Zimbabwe. By embracing technological advancements, implementing sustainable farming practices, and adapting to the changing climate, Zimbabwean farmers can strive towards a more resilient and productive agricultural sector.

Dumisani is the lead consultant at fresh solutions Africa and can be reached via email on freshsolutionsafrica@gmail.com.

The forum is sometimes mistaken as a business network for women as they dominate most of our networking events. You just cannot build a networked forum without the support of ladies in Zimbabwe. In order to acknowledge the impact of ladies on the forum we have compiled a list of those who worked tirelessly to build the forum in 2024.

1. Leah Mugari

2. Rumbidzai Usenga

3. Phumaphetsheya Nkala

4. Luwy Kusemwa

5. Coach Gwen Chikofi

6. Fine Marume

7. Advocate Namatirai Ruzvidzo

8. Tendai Manhungo

9. Nyengeterai Mawere

10. Rudo Mahachi

11. Jackie Lemani

12. Ester Toto

13. Chef Taffy

14. Chipo Murwira

15. Faith Charumbira

16. Rumbidzai Tapfuma

17. Chipo Nyebera

18. Sibo Mutema

19. Lisa Chirubvu

20. Gogo Machera

21. Tatenda Mawoneke

22. Mai Muku

23. Freda Chingwe

24. Judith Shingirai

25. Plaxedes Madzingire

26. Praise Chabona

27. Helen Tapesa

28. Emeka Mhishi

29. Tawanda Muzuwa

30. Piwairugare Phillis

Special mention goes to men who supported Mompreneurs such as James Mupudzi(Diverse Business Consultancy), Tinashe Makuvise, Sir Paulus Musevenzi, Descent Dzenga, Martin Barricade Mutunha, Decent of PC Construction and Powerstash.

We commemorate a decade of existence on the 15th of January 2025. It has been a very long and bumpy road to assist entrepreneurs across Zimbabwe by building a platform that enables effective and efficient networking. Youths form the bulk of our membership and we have been giving them leadership roles over the years and this year we bring to you the top 20 most influential youths on the forum.

1. James Mupudzi
2. Trymore Nzou
3. Tshepehile Ncube
4. Cynthia Gezi
5. Tanaka Chigovera
6. Damson Royel
7. Decent PC Shuro
8. Descent Dzenga
9. Rudo Mahachi
10. Sir Paulus Mudzerengi
11. Advocate Cocoe
12. Ryan Marindire
13. Shezzy Sharon R Khonje
14. Dickson Fumigation Control
15. Charla
16. Tatenda Mawoneke
17. Tanaka Mwanza
18. Diego
19. Bernard Bukira Betera
20. Dorothy Chamunorwa