Zimpapers to host smallholder horticulture conference
INTEGRATED media house, Zimbabwe Newspapers (1980) Limited, will on March 15, 2024 host a one-day smallholder horticulture farmers’ conference in Mutoko to foster collaboration among stakeholders and explore innovative strategies to ensure long-term sustainability of the farmers’ operations.
Running under the theme: “Promoting Sustainable Growth and Empowerment in Smallholder Horticulture: Fostering Collaborative Partnerships and Resilient Farming Practices to Achieve Food Security and Economic Prosperity in Alignment with SDG 2 and NDS 1,” the event seeks to create a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas on ways of marketing smallholder horticulture and make it more sustainable than it currently is. It will be held at Gohori Resort.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Dr Anxious Masuka will be guest of honour at the event that will also attract other Government Ministers, experts from Government, private sector and development partners.
The Herald’s Agriculture Editor, Obert Chifamba who is also part of the team organising the event, said their choice of Mutoko was not coincidental.
“Mutoko was selected to host the event due to its reputation as a stronghold in fresh produce production. As part of its contribution to the development of the country’s agro-based economy, Zimpapers realised it had to play a part in trying to level the playing field for smallholder horticulture farmers who are perennially struggling to break even after producing and selling their crops.
“The conference will seek to allow dialogue that will open up opportunities for the farmers to beat poverty, end food insecurity and become economically sound in line with Sustainable Development Goal 2 and the National Development Strategy 1 that target to end hunger and leave citizens food and economically secure,” said Chifamba.
Chifamba added that Mutoko was ideal for the event, especially after the commissioning of a fruit and vegetable processing plant in the town by President Mnangagwa in 2021.
“We expect the event to be an exciting one for people in the smallholder horticulture sub-sector, as it will serve as a platform for key stakeholders that include local authorities, Agritex officers, input suppliers, agronomists, marketing experts and policymakers to name a few, to interact with farmers and get to hear their personal experiences in their line of duty,” said Mr Chifamba.
The event will be marked with presentations by different specialists, for instance, from the Global GAP certification stables who will also interact with farmers and educate them on the requirements for selling products in certain markets. These specialists will shed light on the importance of sustainable farming practices that include avoiding deforestation, causing land degradation, soil erosion, water pollution and the use of organic ways of production.
“The conference will also welcome representatives from the packaging industry, as farmers in the Mbare Musika and other mass markets often face challenges with improper packaging. By also dealing with proper packaging issues, the conference aims to enhance the marketability of the farmers’ fresh produce.
“Key trade organisations like ZimTrade and the Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) will be in attendance to engage with farmers and provide insights into ways of accessing regional and international markets. This platform will arm farmers with strategies for penetrating markets like the European Union controlled ones known for their strong taste for Zimbabwean products,” Chifamba further explained.
At least 300 farmers are expected to attend the conference that is expected to provide them with richer with lots of knowledge on both local and external markets. The conference is also expected to help plug all loopholes through which vital revenue has been leaking.