Agriculture

Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector is experiencing a surge of renewed momentum as the government unveils a comprehensive strategy to address longstanding challenges and unlock the country’s full agricultural and industrial potential.

This vision was articulated by the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, Dr. Anxious Jongwe Masuka, during the 8th SADC Industrialisation Week held in Antananarivo, Madagascar.

Central to the government’s strategy is the 2024/2025 Crops, Horticulture, Fisheries, and Livestock Summer Plan, a US$1.6 billion initiative designed to dramatically increase agricultural output. The plan, which is being funded through a 40:60 government-private sector partnership, aims to boost cereal production from 750,000 metric tonnes to over 3.2 million tonnes. It also places significant emphasis on oilseed production, livestock, and fisheries development, with targets to increase milk production from 99.8 million litres to 115 million litres and expand the national beef and goat herds.

Dr. Masuka stated, “We are repositioning agriculture as a business and a key driver of economic growth. Our Summer Plan is not just about increasing output, but about building resilience, creating jobs, and ensuring food security for every Zimbabwean. With agriculture having already exceeded its US$8.2 billion target in 2021, we are now on track to reach US$13.75 billion by 2025. This underlines the sector’s growing role in our economy, where it contributes up to 18% of GDP and supports over 67% of the population.”

Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector has long grappled with structural challenges, including climate change, low productivity, limited access to finance, and the perception of agriculture as a subsistence activity. The government’s new approach seeks to address these head-on by capacitating extension officers, strengthening value chains, enhancing leadership, and encouraging greater public and private investment.

“Climate change is a reality we cannot ignore. Our focus on irrigation, seed systems, and mechanization is about future-proofing our agriculture. We are also working to ensure that farmers have access to finance and markets, and that agriculture is seen as a viable business for youth and women,” Dr. Masuka said.

Zimbabwe’s active participation in the 8th SADC Industrialisation Week reaffirms its commitment to regional integration, agro-processing, and sustainable industrialisation. The event, which brought together over 500 delegates from 24 countries, focused on advancing industrialisation, agricultural transformation, and energy transition for a resilient SADC region.

The country aims to become a regional agro-processing hub through investments in irrigation, seed systems, mechanization, and research. Inclusive rural industrialisation models are being promoted to empower youth and women, create jobs, and stimulate enterprise growth in farming communities. By strengthening regional agro-value chains and forging strategic partnerships, Zimbabwe is laying the foundation for its vision of attaining upper-middle-income status by 2030.

The private sector is playing a critical role in this transformation, contributing technical expertise, innovation, and investment across the agricultural value chain—from input supply to value addition and agro-processing. Regional cooperation and international partnerships, such as the Zimbabwe-Mozambique Agricultural Value Chain and Trade Development Project and EU-supported initiatives, are amplifying impact by enabling knowledge exchange, mobilizing funding, and expanding markets for Zimbabwean agricultural products.

Dr. Masuka noted, “We are seeing the fruits of public-private partnerships and regional cooperation. These collaborations are essential for scaling up our successes and ensuring that Zimbabwean agriculture is competitive on the regional and global stage.”

Successes from the land reform programme and targeted value chain initiatives are already visible in select areas, signaling strong potential for scalable impact. The government’s climate-proofed Pfumvudza/Intwasa Programme is set to support 3.5 million households, focusing on communal, A1, small-scale commercial, and peri-urban farmers.

However, challenges remain. The sector continues to face climate variability, financial constraints, and infrastructure deficits. The government is addressing these through improved irrigation, seed availability, and policy reforms to make 99-year leases more attractive for financing.

Looking ahead, Zimbabwe is calling on institutions of higher learning, research organizations, development agencies, and policy experts to support this momentum through research, capacity building, and innovation.

“As we move forward, we invite all stakeholders—academia, development partners, and the private sector—to join us in this journey. Together, we can position agriculture as the bedrock of national development and achieve our vision of industrial growth and food security,” added Dr. Masuka.

Key Facts:

– Agriculture contributes up to 18% of Zimbabwe’s GDP and supports over 67% of the population.

– The 2024/2025 Summer Plan targets a cereal output increase from 750,000 to over 3.2 million tonnes.

– The sector is projected to reach US$13.75 billion by 2025, up from US$8.2 billion in 2021.

– Zimbabwe is promoting regional integration and aims to become a regional agro-processing hub.

By Charles Dhewa of eMkambo

+263774713526

Sugar beans bonus $30 bucket

Sugar beans nua 45 $30 bucket

Sugar beans bonda wa ponda $30 bucket

Zviyo/ mungoza/ njera $20 bucket

Hupfu hwe zviyo $2 1kg

Hupfu hwe mapfunde $1packet

Chimera che mapfunde $1packet 500g

Chimera che zviyo $1packet 500g

Đried cabbages $1packet 500g

Dried munyemba $1packet 500g

Dried black jack $1packet 500g

Dried tsunga $1packet 500g

Baobab oil $3 100ml

Baobab coffee $1bottle 500g

Baobab powder $1packet 150g

Moringa powder $1packet 150g

Zumbani powder $1packet 150g

Mubvee powder $5 500g bottle

Bee hives $35each

Bee wax $3 500g

Bee wax $10 1kg

Kenyan croton nursery tree $1each

Mutohwe nursery tree $1each

Mango nursery tree $1each

Paw Paw nursery tree $1each

Baobab nursery tree $1each

Muzhanje nursery tree $1each

Moringa nursery tree $1each

Juranda nursery tree $1each

Granadilla nursery tree $2each

Musau nursery tree $2each

Mukute nursery tree $2each

Leucaene nursery tree $2each

Munyii nursery tree $2each

Hwiziya bee forage nursery tree $2each

Coral vine bee forage nursery tree $2each

Avocado nursery tree $2each

Mukamba nursery tree $3dollars each

Macadamia nursery tree $3dollars each

Poultry

Hanga $10 each

Black sandak $12 each empty one’s

By Charles Dhewa of eMkambo

+263774713526

Vegetables

– Covo: 75c to $1 per bundle

– Rape: 75c to $1 per bundle

– Tsunga: 75c to $1 per bundle

– Chomolia: $1 per bundle

– Cabbage (white): $0.75-$1

– Spinach: $1 for 2 bundle

– Lettuce: $1 head each

– Parsley: $1 per bunch

– Cauliflower: $1 per bundle

-Okra $1 Packet

High-Value Crops

– Green pepper: $12per crate & $1 for 5

– Red & Yellow pepper: $15 per crate $1 for 4

– Fine beans: $15 per crate

-Cucumber: $9 per crate

-Pumpkin …………………….Unavailable

-English cucumber: $1each

-Butternut $6 for 8kgs-7 for 10kgs

– Horned cucumber: Unavailable

– Beetroot: $1 per bundle

– Onions (white, king): $12 per 10 kg pocket

– Fresh King Onion (red): $1for 8 to 10

-Fresh King Onion $ 1 for 14

– Onion (shallots): $1.5 per bundle

– Eggplant: $1.5 per

– Garlic (bulbs): $10 per kg

– Ginger (bulbs): $6 per kg

-Masamba 50c to $1 cup

– Cherry tomato: $10 per kg

– Tomatoes: $6 to $8 crate

– Maize corn: ……………………….Not Available

– Green Pumpkin/mapudzi……..Unavailable

– Butternut: 10kgs $6 and $ for 3

Tubers

– Potatoes 15 kg pocket: Small$9- Large$10

– Sweet potatoes: $6per 20L bucket

Dried Foods

– Matemba:$60 per 20L

– Fish (small, dried): …………… Not Available

– Fish (big, dried): ……………….. Not Available

– Soya chunks: $2.8per 5kg packet

– Mufushwa munyemba: $12 per 20L bucket

– Mufushwa nyevhe: $28 per 20L bucket

– Mufushwa covo: $10 per 20L bucket

– Mufushwa mutsine: $13 per 20L bucket

– Mufushwa derere remashizha: $10per 20L bucket

-Mufushwa Howa nhedzi: $12-16 per 20L bucket

-Mufushwa wehowa zheveyambuya $20 bucket

-Mafushe echibage $15 bucket

-Masamba makoni,masivanda tea $12 bucket

-Dried nyimo $40

Nyemba $30 per buckect

Poultry

– Chicken (broilers): $5.5-$6 each

-Mother broilers $7-$10

– Indigenous chicken (hen): $8 each

– Indigenous (cocks): $9 each

– Iso brown: $8 each

– Turkey: $15 each

– Ducks: $10-$15 each

-Off layer $4 -$5

-Eggs standard $3.7 – $4.2

Fruits

– Apples: $23 per large box

-Naarjies : $10 for 10kgs

-Naarjies :$ for 6 to 12

-Avocado: $18 crate $ for 3 or 4

– Pears: $2.75 per kg, $19 per box

– Plums: $18 Box

– Grapes: $20 per box, $2.5 per satchet

– Small berryfinger leaf/ tsubvu: $5-6 per 20L bucket

– Pineapples: $1 each

– Oranges: $5-per 10kg packet

-Lemons $1 for 20

-Nhunguru ……………. Unavailable

– Bananas: $12-13 per crate

– Mawuyu (shelled): $8 per 20L bucket

– Nyiii: $12per 20L bucket

-Tsvubvu ……………. Unavailable

-Nzvirimombe ……… . Unavailable

-Guava …………………… Unavailable .

-Huchi $3 bottle

-Masau $8 bucket

-Matohwe $10 bucket

Grain

– Fresh groundnuts/nzungu: ….. Unavailable

-Dried Groundnuts $12 buckect

-Shelled ground nuts $36 to $40 per bucket

-Nyemba $10 bucket

– FreshBambara groundnuts/Nyimo: …. Unavailable

-Dried Bambara groundnuts/Nyimo :$40

– White maize: $6 -$7 per 20L bucket

– Yellow maize: …………… 20L bucket Unavailable

– Mhunga: $14per 20L bucket

– Rukweza/ Finger millet: $40 per 20L bucket

-Rice yechivanhu $20 bucket

-Sunflower $5 bucket

-Wheat bucket $12 bucket

-Beans bucket $40

-BeansNua 45 $40bucket

-White Sorghum $10 bucket

-Soya $8-$12 for bucket

-Watermelon $1 each

-Nzimbe $ for 2

Vegetables

– Covo: 50c per bundle

– Rape: 50c per bundle

– Tsunga: 50c per bundle

– Chomolia: $1 per bundle

– Cabbage (white): $0.75-$1

– Spinach: $1 for 2 bundle

– Lettuce: $1 head each

– Parsley: $1 per bunch

– Cauliflower: $1 per bundle

-Okra $1 Packet

High-Value Crops

– Green pepper: $12per crate & $1 for 5

– Red & Yellow pepper: $15 per crate $1 for 4

– Fine beans: $15 per crate

-Cucumber: $9 per crate

-Pumpkin …………………….Unavailable

-English cucumber: $1each

-Butternut $6 for 8kgs-7 for 10kgs

– Horned cucumber: Unavailable

– Beetroot: $1 per bundle

– Onions (white, king): $12 per 10 kg pocket

– Fresh King Onion (red): $1for 8 to 10

-Fresh King Onion $ 1 for 14

– Onion (shallots): $1.5 per bundle

– Eggplant: $1.5 per

– Garlic (bulbs): $10 per kg

– Ginger (bulbs): $6 per kg

-Masamba 50c to $1 cup

– Cherry tomato: $10 per kg

– Tomatoes: $10 crate

– Maize corn: ……………………….Not Available

– Green Pumpkin/mapudzi……..Unavailable

– Butternut: 10kgs $6 and $ for 3

Tubers

– Potatoes 15 kg pocket: Small$9- Large$10

– Sweet potatoes: $6per 20L bucket

Dried Foods

– Matemba:$60 per 20L

– Fish (small, dried): …………… Not Available

– Fish (big, dried): ……………….. Not Available

– Soya chunks: $2.8per 5kg packet

– Mufushwa munyemba: $12 per 20L bucket

– Mufushwa nyevhe: $28 per 20L bucket

– Mufushwa covo: $10 per 20L bucket

– Mufushwa mutsine: $13 per 20L bucket

– Mufushwa derere remashizha: $10per 20L bucket

-Mufushwa Howa nhedzi: $12-16 per 20L bucket

-Mufushwa wehowa zheveyambuya $20 bucket

-Mafushe echibage $15 bucket

-Masamba makoni,masivanda tea $12 bucket

-Dried nyimo $40

Nyemba $30 per buckect

Poultry

– Chicken (broilers): $5.5-$6 each

-Mother broilers $7-$10

– Indigenous chicken (hen): $8 each

– Indigenous (cocks): $9 each

– Iso brown: $8 each

– Turkey: $15 each

– Ducks: $10-$15 each

-Off layer $4 -$5

-Eggs standard $3.7 – $4.2

Fruits

– Apples: $23 per large box

-Naarjies : $10 for 10kgs

-Naarjies :$ for 6 to 12

-Avocado: $18 crate $ for 3 or 4

– Pears: $2.75 per kg, $19 per box

– Plums: $18 Box

– Grapes: $20 per box, $2.5 per satchet

– Small berryfinger leaf/ tsubvu: $5-6 per 20L bucket

– Pineapples: $1 each

– Oranges: $5-per 10kg packet

-Lemons $1 for 20

-Nhunguru ……………. Unavailable

– Bananas: $12-13 per crate

– Mawuyu (shelled): $8 per 20L bucket

– Nyiii: $12per 20L bucket

-Tsvubvu ……………. Unavailable

-Nzvirimombe ……… . Unavailable

-Guava …………………… Unavailable .

-Huchi $3 bottle

-Masau $8 bucket

-Matohwe $10 bucket

Grain

– Fresh groundnuts/nzungu: ….. Unavailable

-Dried Groundnuts $12 buckect

-Shelled ground nuts $36 to $40 per bucket

-Nyemba $10 bucket

– FreshBambara groundnuts/Nyimo: …. Unavailable

-Dried Bambara groundnuts/Nyimo :$40

– White maize: $6 -$7 per 20L bucket

– Yellow maize: …………… 20L bucket Unavailable

– Mhunga: $14per 20L bucket

– Rukweza/ Finger millet: $40 per 20L bucket

-Rice yechivanhu $20 bucket

-Sunflower $5 bucket

-Wheat bucket $12 bucket

-Beans bucket $40

-BeansNua 45 $40bucket

-White Sorghum $10 bucket

-Soya $8-$12 for bucket

-Watermelon $1 each

-Nzimbe $ for 2

Tomatoes $5 crate $10 box

Cabbages $1 for 3

Covo$1 for 6

Rape$1for6

Tsunga $1 for6

Spinach $1 for 2

Lettuce $1

Cauliflower $1

HIGH VALUE CROPS 

Green pepper $16 crate

Red and yellow pepper $16

Fine beans $20 crate

Cucumbers $1 for4

Pumpkin ❌

English cucumber $1

Butternut $5

Beetroot $1 for 4

Onions fresh$1 for 6

Pocketed onions $8

Eggplant ❌

Garlic $3

Ginger$3.50

Masamba $1 for2

Makoni tea $1cup

Ginger tea$1 200g

Fresh maize$4 dozen

TUBERS

potatoes $12

Sweet potatoes $5

GRAINS

chibage$7

Rukweza $18

Mhunga$8

Mapfunde $6

Wheat $8

Sunflower $6

Nzungu $50

Nyimo$32

Nyemba $20

MUFUSHWA

MuNyevhe $18

Munyemba $15

Mutsine $15

Muboora $10

Derere remashizha$9

Mafushe$12

Mumhare$15

Rupiza$12

FRUITS

Apples $25

Narjies $1 for40

Orange $5

Avocado $1 for 3

Lemon $1for20

Grapes$1.50 tray

Pear  $16 box

Masau $8

Nyii$6

Nhunguru $4

Other Commodities

Nzimbe $1 for4

Marasha $3

Honey $2

Dovi $11.50

Soya chunks $3

Chimera $1

Hupfu hwerukweza5kg $8

Hupfu hwemhunga $8

Harugwa $45

Majuru$6

Mbeva$1 for 10

Mitsvairo$1 for2

Broccoli, a vegetable celebrated for its rich vitamin C, protein, fibre, and distinctive flavour, is gaining traction among Zimbabwean farmers and consumers alike. As the country’s agricultural sector adapts to changing market demands and climate realities, broccoli stands out not only for its nutritional value but also for its unique dual-market potential: both the flower (head) and the leaves are in demand. This article explores the science, market dynamics, and practical realities of broccoli farming in Zimbabwe, featuring insights from leading agronomist and market analyst Ivan William Craig, popularly known as “Mudhumeni Mukuru.”

The Science Behind Broccoli Quality: Why Leaves Matter

Broccoli is primarily grown for its green flower head, which is prized for its compactness, colour, and taste. However, the leaves play a crucial role in protecting the developing flower. As explained by local agronomists, removing the leaves exposes the flower to direct sunlight, which can bleach the head, causing it to lose its vibrant green colour and compact structure. This exposure accelerates growth, leading to loose, hardened flowers that are less appealing to consumers. The natural green colour is not just a matter of aesthetics; it is a key factor in marketability, as consumers associate vibrant colour with freshness and quality.

From a practical perspective, farmers must balance the need to harvest leaves for market with the necessity of maintaining enough foliage to protect the developing flower. Some innovative farmers have responded by demarcating fields—allocating certain sections for leaf harvest and others for flower production. This approach allows them to meet diverse market demands without compromising the quality of either product.

Broccoli’s Nutritional Powerhouse

Broccoli is a nutritional powerhouse. A single cup (90 grams) of raw broccoli provides approximately 35 calories, 2.3 grams of protein, 2.2 grams of fibre, and 91% of the daily value for vitamin C. It is also rich in vitamin K (77% DV), folate, potassium, magnesium, iron, and calcium. Beyond these nutrients, broccoli contains potent antioxidants such as sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol, which are linked to cancer prevention, heart health, and reduced inflammation. The high fibre content supports digestive health, while carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin promote eye health.

Zimbabwe’s Ideal Broccoli Climate: Winter is Best

Zimbabwe’s cool winter months provide the optimal climate for broccoli cultivation. Broccoli thrives in temperatures between 15°C and 22°C, conditions most reliably found during the winter season. The cool weather ensures the development of compact, high-quality heads and reduces the risk of premature flowering or “bolting” that can occur in hotter months .

Cultivation Techniques: From Seed to Harvest

Seedling Production

Farmers have several options for raising broccoli seedlings:

-On-farm seedbeds: Direct sowing in prepared beds.

-Seed trays: Floating trays, similar to those used in tobacco production, allow for controlled germination.

-Nursery purchase: Buying seedlings from reputable nurseries ensures healthy, transplant-ready plants.

Experts recommend sourcing seeds and seedlings from reputable suppliers such as Seed Co Zimbabwe, GardenPlus Nurseries, Zimbabwe Garden Seeds, and Syngenta Zimbabwe, which offer certified, high-quality varieties suited to local conditions.

Soil and Planting

Broccoli requires well-drained, fertile soils with a pH between 5.5 and 6.8. Land preparation should include deep ploughing, disking, and, if possible, the use of a rotor to create a fine tilth. Planting density typically ranges from 50,000 to 60,000 plants per hectare, with spacing of 20–40 cm between plants and 45–60 cm between rows. Higher plant populations yield smaller heads, while wider spacing produces larger heads but may compromise flower quality if leaf cover is insufficient.

Water and Fertilization

Consistent irrigation is vital, with crops requiring about 25 mm of water every 5–7 days. Both compound fertilizers and well-matured manure are recommended for optimal growth. Seedlings should be hardened before transplanting by gradually reducing water, ensuring they are robust enough to withstand field conditions .

Market Dynamics: Dual Demand for Flowers and Leaves

Zimbabwe’s broccoli market is unique in that both the flower and the leaves have strong demand. The flower is the traditional product, sought after for its culinary versatility and export potential. However, the leaves are increasingly popular, especially among health-conscious consumers who value their high vitamin and mineral content. Some farmers have even dedicated entire fields to leaf production, supplying local markets where demand is robust .

This dual-market approach allows farmers to diversify their income streams. By marketing both products, they can appeal to a broader customer base, including health food stores and traditional vegetable markets. Value addition—such as packaging leaves for salads or processing them into dried products—can further enhance profitability .

Profitability and Market Trends

Broccoli is classified as a high-value crop in Zimbabwe, with significant export potential. While domestic consumption and production have remained relatively flat in recent years, the global market for broccoli is expanding, offering opportunities for increased exports. The average export price for broccoli and cauliflower was $1,389 per ton in 2024, though export volumes have fluctuated due to market and production challenges.

Contract farming models, where farmers grow broccoli for specific buyers or exporters, have proven more profitable and stable than selling on the open market. These arrangements often guarantee better prices and reduce market risk .

Challenges and Strategies for Success

Broccoli farmers in Zimbabwe face several challenges:

-Economic: High certification and input costs, limited access to finance.

-Environmental: Climate variability, water scarcity, and the need for precise temperature control.

-Infrastructural: Limited irrigation infrastructure and government support.

To overcome these obstacles, successful farmers employ strategies such as integrated pest management, diversified crop rotation, and community-driven seed production models. Collaboration and knowledge sharing among farmers are also key to improving productivity and sustainability.

Expert Insight: Mudhumeni Mukuru (Ivan William Craig) Speaks

Ivan William Craig, known as “Mudhumeni Mukuru,” is a leading voice in Zimbabwean agriculture. As ARDA Board Chairperson and a respected agronomist, he emphasizes the importance of market understanding and quality control:

“Broccoli farming in Zimbabwe is not just about growing a vegetable; it’s about understanding your market and maximizing every part of the plant. Whether you’re targeting the export market with compact, green heads or supplying local demand for nutritious leaves, success comes from careful planning, reputable seed sourcing, and sustainable practices. The future of Zimbabwean agriculture lies in innovation and adaptability.” — Ivan William Craig, Mudhumeni Mukuru.

Broccoli farming in Zimbabwe offers a compelling opportunity for farmers willing to embrace both tradition and innovation. By leveraging the dual-market potential of flowers and leaves, adopting best agronomic practices, and responding to evolving market demands, Zimbabwean farmers can position themselves for profitability and resilience in a changing agricultural landscape.