By Bruce Chahwanda
THE Zimbabwe pavilion has attracted huge attention at the 2022 Berlin Fruit Logistica where 22 horticultural products are being exhibited, with Bambara Nuts turning out to be the major star of attraction.
22 Zimbabwe horticultural products are being showcased in Berlin to over 2 000 international delegates as the country cements its market share across the globe.
Representing at least 5 000 small-holder farmers at the exhibition, Strengthening Competitiveness and Potential for Exports for Inclusive Value Chains (SCOPE4IVC) Head of Projects, Mr Minenhle Ngwenya said the popularity of some products is a major boost to communal farmers’ income.
“Scope4ivc falls under the bigger Zimbabwe Economic Partnership Agreement, it’s objective is to achieve competitiveness on targeted value chains. The project is being implemented in four districts across four provinces, in Gokwe South that is Midlands province, Umzingwane in Matabeleland South province, in Chivi District, Masvingo province and Bubi district in Matabeleland North province, where there are farmers in excess of 5 000 that are involved in the production of Chilli, Nyimo and Marula, these farmers are linked to companies that buy these products, value add and process it. The benefits that come in for communities is to realise income to sustain their livelihoods and for businesses is to achieve profitability through accessing export markets,” said Mr Ngwenya.
He also said that the three value chains they specialise in have created huge interest in the European market.
“We are supporting three value chains that is Bambara nuts (nyimo), chillies and the Maryland. We are here at Fruit logistica 2022, we are supporting private firms for market linkages, we brought small holder firms which do sunflowers, bambara nuts, they process nyimo for exports,” he said.
Zimbabwe has 10 exhibiting firms and 15 companies who travelled to Germany for business to business engagements and stakeholders are confident of sealing lucrative deals for the horticultural sector.