Bunjiwe Mkwananzi
Sikhulekelani Moyo [email protected]
THE Horticulture Development Council (HDC) says it is strengthening market access for smallholder farmers through the Horticulture Enterprise Enhancement Project (HEEP), with sensitisation and needs assessment programmes already underway across four provinces to boost incomes, food security and commercial production.
The project, funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) and the Government of Zimbabwe, is designed to create sustainable market opportunities for horticulture producers while integrating them into competitive value chains.
In its June update, HDC said the programme had made significant progress between May and June through stakeholder engagements in Manicaland, Midlands, Matabeleland South and Masvingo provinces.
The meetings brought together 27 Agribusiness Producer Groups (APGs) and 11 anchor firms comprising processors, exporters and large horticultural enterprises to identify investment opportunities and strengthen partnerships.
HDC said the initiative is expected to unlock a wide range of opportunities for smallholder farmers.
“For growers, the initiative could unlock access to reliable markets, contract farming opportunities, co-investment funding, matching grants and support through the HEEP Horticulture Revolving Facility,” said the council.
The programme is also expected to strengthen irrigation scheme-based production while enabling farmers to participate more effectively in commercial horticulture value chains.
HDC said it is playing a key facilitation role by supporting Agribusiness Producer Groups and anchor firms to develop Public-Private-Producer Partnership (4P) Expressions of Interest and investment proposals that can attract financing.
“The council is also supporting market linkages that turn promising horticulture projects into bankable business opportunities for growers and investors alike,” HDC said.
The initiative is part of broader efforts to commercialise Zimbabwe’s horticulture sector by improving production systems, increasing investment and strengthening value addition.
By linking organised producer groups with established agribusinesses, the project seeks to improve productivity, expand market access and create sustainable livelihoods for rural communities while contributing to national food security and agricultural growth.
Colletta Dube