Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector is a powerhouse of diversity and potential, with farmers producing more than 130 different commodities across the country. Despite such hard work and  abundance of produce, many farmers remain trapped in cycles of frustration and financial insecurity. The root cause? A lack of ready markets and limited value addition, which leaves farmers unable to sell their produce at fair prices, forcing them to depend on government support, and exposing them to competition from imports. As the country stands at a crossroads in July 2025, the call for a market-driven transformation of agriculture has never been more urgent.

The Market Conundrum: Farmers Stuck with Produce

Across Zimbabwe, from the potato fields of Nyanga to the tomato farms of Mutoko, farmers are experiencing a paradox: bumper harvests but suppressed prices. For example, potato supplies have consistently exceeded 1,000 tonnes, yet prices remain stagnant at $2.00 to $2.50 per pocket, with traders making slim markups of just 50 cents. Tomatoes, another staple, are selling for $6 to $11 per box, but supply continues to outstrip demand, leading to gluts and price drops. Even high-value crops like onions and garlic face stiff competition from imports, particularly from South Africa, further depressing local prices.

The situation is similar for small grains, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, and a wide array of indigenous vegetables and herbs. Farmers are advised to hold onto their produce in hopes of better prices, but with low buying power, demand remains subdued. This has led to a scenario where farmers are unable to convert their hard work into ready income.

Economic Headwinds: Low Buying Power

The Case for Ready Markets and Value Addition

Experts and stakeholders agree that developing ready markets for agricultural commodities is the most effective way to empower farmers and break the cycle of dependency. By ensuring that farmers can sell whatever they produce at fair prices, Zimbabwe can unlock the full potential of its agricultural sector and reduce reliance on imports.

Value Addition: Turning Commodities into Wealth

One of the most promising strategies is to convert raw agricultural commodities into manufactured products. Value addition not only increases the shelf life and marketability of produce but also creates jobs and stimulates local economies. For example, small-scale processing of groundnuts into peanut butter, bottling of honey, and curing of tobacco are already taking place in some regions, but these efforts are often uncoordinated and lack scale .

Investing in food processing, packaging, and agro-industrial parks can help Zimbabwe move up the value chain, capturing more value domestically and opening up new export opportunities. This approach has been successful in countries like Ghana (cocoa processing) and Ethiopia (commodity exchanges), and could be adapted to Zimbabwe’s context .

Market Information Systems: Empowering Farmers with Data

Access to timely and accurate market information is critical. Platforms like eMkambo, developed by Knowledge Transfer Africa, provide real-time data on prices, demand trends, and potential buyers. However, digital literacy and the high cost of mobile communication remain barriers to widespread adoption  . Expanding these platforms and integrating them with mobile technology can help bridge the information gap and empower farmers to make informed decisions.

Policy and Infrastructure: The Role of Government and Partnerships

Government policies play a pivotal role in shaping the agricultural market landscape. While initiatives like the Command Agriculture Program and public-private partnerships have aimed to boost production and mechanization, more needs to be done to support market development and value addition . This includes:

– *Investing in rural infrastructure* (roads, storage, and processing facilities) to reduce post-harvest losses and improve market access.

– *Streamlining land tenure and financing* to encourage investment and enable farmers to use land as collateral .

– *Promoting cooperative models and aggregation* to help smallholder farmers pool resources and access larger markets, as seen in Kenya and Morocco .

– *Leveraging regional trade agreements* like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to expand market access beyond Zimbabwe’s borders .

The Voice of the Market: Charles Dhewa of eMkambo

Charles Dhewa of eMkambo, has been at the forefront of advocating for market-driven solutions in Zimbabwean agriculture. He emphasizes the need for a holistic approach that goes beyond production:

> “It is not enough for farmers to simply produce more. Without ready markets and value addition, bumper harvests can quickly turn into financial losses. We must invest in market infrastructure, information systems, and value chains that empower farmers to capture more value from their hard work. Only then can we break the cycle of dependency and build a resilient, prosperous agricultural sector for Zimbabwe.” — Charles Dhewa.