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Ivan Zhakata recently in MWENEZI
Smallholder farmers in Mwenezi have hailed the growing agricultural ties between Zimbabwe and Japan following the support they received from the Japanese Embassy to grow and export sesame.
The initiative has been welcomed as a game-changer for rural farmers offering new income opportunities and boosting Zimbabwe’s export potential.
Through a partnership involving the Japanese Embassy, Sustainable Agriculture Technology (SAT) and the World Food Programme (WFP), farmers in Mwenezi and the surrounding areas have received technical assistance and market access to produce high-quality sesame for Japanese buyers.
Mr Philip Mafumo, a smallholder farmer from Mwenezi, expressed gratitude for the initiative and said it had transformed his farming prospects.
“We have always grown crops like maize and groundnuts but sesame has proven to be more profitable,” he said.
“With Japan’s support, we now have access to better seeds, training and a ready export market. This has changed our livelihoods.”
Mrs Kastina Sibanda, another farmer under the programme, said it was important to secure international buyers.
“In the past, we struggled to sell our produce at fair prices,” she said.
“Now, we have a guaranteed market in Japan, which encourages us to grow more and improve our quality. This partnership is empowering us.”
The Japanese Embassy in Zimbabwe is spearheading the initiative through providing technical assistance and facilitated links between farmers and buyers in Japan.
Mr Masataka Nakamura, a counsellor at the Japanese Embassy, reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector.
“Japan recognises the potential of Zimbabwean farmers, and we are pleased to support them in expanding sesame production for export. This partnership is not only about trade but also about sharing knowledge and enhancing food security,” Mr Nakamura said.
Sustainable Agriculture Technology (SAT) a key implementing partner has played a critical role in training farmers on best practices for sesame cultivation.
Mr Lloyd Masunda, SAT’s deputy country director, said the programme has been successful in improving yields and quality.
“With the right technical support and improved farming methods, Zimbabwean farmers can compete in the global sesame market,” he said.
Online Reporter