Online Reporter
Theseus Shambare in BINDURA
A training programme aimed at transforming Zimbabwe’s wheat value chain commenced today at SOS Hermann Gmeiner High School, bringing together students, teachers, farmers and agricultural experts.
Running until Friday, the TAAT-Wheat Value Addition Workshop is organised by the Directorate of Research, Education and Specialist Services (DRESS) under the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, in collaboration with SOS Hermann Gmeiner High School.
The training is funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) through the technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT)-Wheat Project, under its Feed Africa Strategy.
Zimbabwe recently achieved wheat self-sufficiency, but officials say the next frontier lies in value addition.
Most farmers currently sell wheat in its raw form, limiting profit margins. The upcoming workshop will equip 30 learners and 20 teachers with skills to transform wheat into high-value products such as bread rolls, doughnuts, samoosas, fortified moringa buns, baobab cookies and rosella muffins.
“Catch them young. If we teach students early about the potential of wheat and its value addition, they carry these lessons into their communities and future careers,” said Dr Dumisani Kutywayo, chief director of D’RESS.
He said Bindura is a fitting host, noting SOS Hermann Gmeiner High School’s track record in agricultural innovation.
“Last year, the school produced 12 tonnes of foundation seed from just 2,5 hectares of wheat. Young people are not only the future — they are already part of Zimbabwe’s agricultural transformation,” he said.
Experts believe that the training will have far-reaching economic and social impact.
CBI Wheat Breeder Mr Masawi Jairos emphasised the importance of smallholder farmers in the country’s agricultural landscape.
“Smallholder farmers own 96 percent of Zimbabwe’s arable land. By empowering youth and women through this project, we are changing lives, creating jobs and strengthening livelihoods,” he said.
The training will also provide practical lessons in branding and marketing, ensuring that participants are equipped not only with baking skills but also with tools for entrepreneurship.
Officials say the workshop will be conducted within an “innovation platform,” linking breeders, millers, extension officers, and farmers to sustain momentum beyond the classroom.
“This is more than just a workshop—it is a movement,” Dr Kutywayo said.
“What starts here in Bindura will ripple across wards, districts, provinces, and eventually the entire nation.”
As Zimbabwe looks to consolidate food security, the workshop represents a shift from production to innovation—turning wheat into a source of nutrition, employment and national pride.
