Online Reporter
Patience Maturure
Agriculture Reporter
AGROECOLOGY entrepreneurs have been urged to integrate traditional practices with modern science to combat climate change, ensure sustainable agriculture and seize opportunities on global markets.
This came out at the African Agroecological Entrepreneurs National Matchmaking Event hosted by the Participatory Ecological Land Use Management (PELUM) recently.
The event which was attended by entrepreneurs, investors and industry leaders in agroecology was meant to foster partnerships and drive growth in the country’s sustainable agriculture sector.
The occasion facilitated knowledge sharing, networking and dialogue on policy frameworks and financing mechanisms to accelerate the development of sustainable agriculture enterprises in Zimbabwe and across Africa.
Addressing participants, entrepreneur Dr Divine Ndhlukula said there was need to balance old and new approaches to agroecology, including water harvesting and conservation measures on farms, such as building wells and planting trees that provide feed for livestock.
“It is crucial to preserve beneficial trees and encourage young people to adopt sustainable practices, sustainability is a necessity, not a luxury.
“Businesses must prioritise environmental conservation to ensure long-term profitability; investing in trees, pastures and shrubs can mitigate climate change,” she said.
Entrepreneur Dr Nigel Chanakira advised Zimbabwean agropreneurs to develop bankable business models focused on proven agricultural practices and strategic partnerships to access Government incentives and investment.
“There is also a need for market access given the growing demand for Zimbabwean produce on global markets. I urge entrepreneurs to position themselves for export and regional trade,” he said.
Dr Chanakira highlighted the importance of innovation and technology, citing successful agro-tech solutions and the potential for climate-smart agriculture.
Stakeholders also noted that agricultural based economies were not growing at an increasing rate vindicating climate changes.
This was attributed to the lack of ability to turn their farming activities into business.
Most farmers take agriculture as a culture and they lack the integration of market positioning to an extent of selling their produce at low prices which are often set by buyers.
It was also noted that middlemen and dealers were reaping most of the benefits from farmers’ hard work, leaving the actual producers with meagre earnings that barely sustain their families or support business growth.
Participants pointed out that entrepreneurs could escape this by creating institution norms, property rights and legislations that provide incentives for competitive trading.
PELUM programmes officer Ms Farirai Jemwa said agroecological entrepreneurship was a business approach that prioritised creating value for both the business and society, focusing on environmental sustainability, social responsibility and economic growth.
“The goal is to strengthen enterprises that are not only profitable but also safeguard our environment, nourish our communities and invigorate local economies.
“Agroecological entrepreneurship is a holistic agricultural business strategy that creates value not just for the business but also for society—through employment, health, education, culture and human rights and for the environment,” she said.
Ms Jemwa said financing for agroecology was critical as it supported sustainable production systems that reduced dependence on imports, thus strengthening local economies through indigenous crops and traditional knowledge.
“The entrepreneurs present produced a diverse range of products, from organic inputs and indigenous grains to smart technologies, value-added foods and natural wellness products.
“Each of them represented more than just a business; they embodied jobs, innovation, rural development and a vision for a more sustainable food future,” she said.
