Online Reporter
Business Reporter
NEXT-generation financial services provider, Mukuru, has partnered with Women in Farming and Entrepreneurship (WIFE) to roll out a targeted initiative to support and grow rural women’s farming businesses.
The project, dubbed “Building Resilient Livelihoods through Agro-ecological Sunflower Value Chain Development for Rural Women,” aims to provide access to finance, comprehensive training in agro-ecology, sunflower cultivation, processing, and marketing.
In a statement, the financial services provider said the initiative is centred around village-based sunflower value chain development to promote financial inclusion and social growth in rural communities.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) estimates that Zimbabwe has a total of 1,5 million smallholder farmers supporting the farming sector, but their role is often challenged by limited access to resources, implements, and financial inclusion.
WIFE founder Ms Amanda Munyoro described the partnership as a significant milestone, emphasising that it offers more than financial support.
“Within the sunflower project we are launching in Guruve, we will pilot with 30 farmers and then grow the numbers afterwards, with a vision of reaching at least 200 women within the next five years.
“Our members will gain access to Mukuru’s suite of relevant services, including the Mukuru Wallet, further enhancing their economic participation and quality of life,” she was quoted as saying.
While primarily focused on empowering women, 20 percent of the beneficiaries will be men to ensure inclusivity.
The farmers will benefit from Mukuru’s Money Matters Training, aligning with Mukuru’s commitment to driving long-term, positive change.
On the other hand, WIFE’s mission to reduce dependency on donors by fostering financial literacy and providing access to financial and non-financial capital for sustainable agri-preneurship will be achieved.
One of the notable beneficiaries Ms Precious Hofisi, a 52-year-old widow hailed the initiative saying it is life-changing.
“The challenge has always been earning a consistent income from farming. The access to farm inputs, the knowledge we’ll be exposed to, and the market access will empower me to support my family fully,” she said.
This initiative forms part of Mukuru’s Corporate Social Investment (CSI) strategy, which aims to uplift rural communities by creating opportunities for income generation and financial independence and fostering economic inclusion for traditionally underserved groups.
Mukuru’s CSI manager Awonke Mbanga: “Our partnership is more than just improving access to finance.
“It is about helping rural women build resilient livelihoods and fully participate in their local economy.
“By combining financial tools with training and community-based support, we are creating opportunities for women to grow their agribusinesses with confidence.
“We are committed to breaking barriers to inclusion and supporting stronger and more sustainable communities.”
The project also serves as a model for sustainability, focusing on cash crops like sunflowers that
improve families’ food security while also providing a viable commercial product.
This approach promotes community resilience, shifting from dependence towards self-sufficiency, and establishing sustainable, independent livelihoods in Guruve.
Over five years, WIFE plans to establish profitable circular sunflower value chain groups in Guruve and improve capital access for 500 women in Chikomba and Zvimba.
And Mukuru believes that the goal is achievable through its investment in agricultural entrepreneurship, which will help develop a stronger, and more resilient local economy.
