Online Reporter
Elita Chikwati
AT least 7 800 farmers will benefit from a sesame programme being implemented by the Government in collaboration with the World Food Programme (WFP).
Funded by a Japanese initiative, the programme aligns with Government’s commitment to supporting farmers affected by climatic shocks and chronic food insecurity.
The programme seeks to enhance resilience and promote sustainable agricultural practices in vulnerable communities and foster a more food secure future.
Last year, 3 000 farmers in Mwenezi and Chiredzi benefited under the programme.
They produced over 200 tonnes of sesame, including 151 tonnes exported to Japan through ITOCHU Corporation.
Speaking at the inception workshop on strengthening rural development initiative, WFP country director Mrs Barbara Clemens said the programme was going to improve livelihoods.
“This isn’t just a win for exports, it’s a demonstration of resilience in action. This current season, we’ve scaled up to over 7 800 farmers across Chiredzi, Mwenezi and Rushinga, with a projected yield of over 2 500 tonnes.
“These are not just numbers; they represent real incomes, real dignity and growing rural economies,” she said.
This programme also builds on other critical areas of WFP support. WFP is also training more than 330 Government extension officers in climate-informed agricultural planning through the PICSA approach, now reaching more than 25 000 farmers.
The organisation is also rolling out the Smallholder Horticulture Empowerment and Promotion (SHEP) model to over 1 000 farmers in eight districts to build market literacy.
Financial literacy enables farmers to produce for markets, plan, save and invest for the future.
Participants at the workshop noted that some smallholder farmers, particularly sesame producers, were experiencing challenges finding lucrative markets or exporting their crop.
Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) marketing and public relations manager, Ms Tina Nleya, said they linked farmers with different buyers.
“We advise farmers on what is on demand on the market. We train farmers to take farming as a business so it becomes viable. We also help farmers access export markets. The major challenge is the issue of numbers. The market needs consistent supply and huge volumes. We are encouraging farmers to come up with clusters and aggregation so that they have the numbers required for markets such as China,” she said.
SAT deputy general manager, Mr Lloyd Masunda said the private sector had a bigger role to play in sesame production than just being off takers.
He noted that the bulk of the sesame being produced was being smuggled and going through the informal market. “Some farmers are not aware of the market requirements. There is a lot of information that farmers need to have before they start producing.
“There is need for Government and the private sector to work together to address a number of gaps in the value chain,” he said.
Mr Masunda also urged authorities to put in place mechanisms that make it easy for farmers to export their produce.
Ministry of Women Affairs, Mashonaland Central provincial development officer, Mrs Judith Hove said they had personnel at ground level, experts at ward and district levels (business development officers) who help communities to grow in business.
“We train on business management including, financial literacy, pricing, costing and record keeping. We also ensure they are trained in skills. We have a database of personnel that can train community members to acquire different skills so they can grow their businesses and improve their livelihoods, “she said.
