Online Reporter
Judith Phiri, Zimpapers Writer
FARMERS in Matabeleland are set to establish farmer hubs in each district, creating one-stop-shop solutions that provide smallholders in rural and peri-urban communities with access to quality inputs, mechanisation services, knowledge and markets.
Regionally, these hubs are already contributing to increased production, productivity and socio-economic transformation.
The Tsholotsho model farmer hub was officially launched during the Farmers Great Indaba — Inkundla Yabalimi held at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre (ZIEC) in Bulawayo yesterday, with plans to replicate the model across other districts in Matabeleland.
In a keynote address by the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri, delivered by Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (Ardas) acting chief director Mr Leonard Munamati, he highlighted the critical role of farmer hubs in improving market access for farmers.
“The world around us is changing. Climate change, market volatility, technological disruption and shifting consumer demands are real challenges we must confront. The question we face is: how do we thrive in this environment? The answer is clear: through unity, organisation and strategic action,” he said.
“This is where farmer hubs come into play. By working together, farmers can pool resources, share knowledge, co-ordinate production, and collectively access markets. Hubs are not just physical spaces — they are networks of trust, collaboration and efficiency.”
Prof Jiri explained that through these hubs, farmers can plan crop production based on actual market demand, optimise input use and engage in value addition by creating products beyond raw commodities such as flour, oils, feeds, processed grains, and more.
He emphasised that farmers are businesspeople and entrepreneurs, who must understand not only how to plant and harvest but also how markets function, how to assess supply and demand and how to price their produce competitively.
“Understanding the business ecosystem is crucial. You must know your clients — local and regional buyers — and align your production with the real needs of the market.
“Government recognises this. We are committed to ensuring that you, the farmers, have the support you need to succeed. Recent reforms, guided by statutes such as Statutory Instrument 145 of 2019 (Command Agriculture Input Supply) and the Agricultural Marketing Authority Regulations (SI 147 of 2021), aim to guarantee a predictable and constant supply of inputs,” he added.
The Permanent Secretary noted that these regulations are designed to promote fairness, transparency and accountability, enabling farmers to plan and invest with confidence.
Government and industry partnerships go beyond input supply, focusing on creating stable markets, linking production to processing and building strong value chains.
“When you organise through hubs, when you adhere to quality standards, and when you commit to consistent supply, you open doors for investment, credit and partnerships. Industry responds to order, predictability and professionalism. Farmer hubs are also key to value addition as you transform your produce into finished goods,” he said.
Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution Permanent Secretary, Ms Sithandiwe Ncube, underscored that farmer hubs are vital for exploring innovative ways to strengthen business linkages in agricultural production and productivity, ultimately enhancing the competitiveness and sustainability of agricultural enterprises.
“By strengthening business linkages, we can unlock new opportunities for growth, improve our productivity and increase our market share. I strongly believe these will improve market access, boost productivity and foster collaboration,” she said.
“The expected outcomes will be improved business partnerships, adoption of best practices and technologies to boost crop yields as well as improved competitiveness of our agricultural businesses in local and international markets.”
Farmers Great Indaba founder and chairperson Mrs Progress Moyo, highlighted the importance of farmer hubs in ensuring fair pricing for farmers.
“When farmers sell their produce, they are bound to get a lower price than they can expect, however, when they start selling as hubs they will start getting fair prices,” she said.
“The amounts they will be getting should be able to cover production costs, ensure a living income for families and allow for investment in sustainable farming, some want to drill boreholes and others acquire various equipment.”
Ms Sithenjiwe Sibanda from Ward 14 Tsholotsho, added that the farmer hub would empower farmers with bargaining power against volatile markets and powerful traders.
“Farmers have had to regret selling from their homesteads when another buyer comes with a different price.
“This has disadvantaged them for a long time. With this hub, we will be able to combine our produce and sell it in bulk for a higher price,” she said.
Bongani Ndlovu