Tendai Gukutikwa
Lloyd Makonya
Correspondent
AS the world increasingly turns to sustainable and nutritious food systems, Zimbabwe is taking bold steps to celebrate its rich agricultural heritage.
From May 4 to 7, 2025, Mukoto Village in Buhera will host the inaugural Traditional Grains and Gastronomy Tourism Conference, a groundbreaking event themed: “Accelerating Cultural Expression, Empowerment, and Entrepreneurship Through Gastronomy Tourism”.
The conference is being held to promote tourism innovations as a way of empowering rural communities.
The growing interest in small grains such as millet, sorghum, and rapoko among Zimbabweans reflects a shift towards resilient and nutrient-dense crops.
These grains, known for their adaptability to dryland farming, are also gaining recognition for their health benefits, including high iron, fibre, and mineral content, which play a crucial role in combating malnutrition and lifestyle diseases.
Small grains also lower the risk of Type 2 Diabetes, reduce chronic inflammation, lower the risk of obesity and overall, they have better nutritional value than maize.
Recent data from the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development highlights this trend, with sorghum production exceeding 120 000 metric tonnes and millet reaching over 50 000 metric tonnes in the 2023/2024 season.
Government has actively promoted small grains through initiatives like Pfumvudza/Intwasa and the National Small Grains Strategy, which aim to enhance productivity and climate resilience in agriculture.
Organised by Integral Kumusha in collaboration with Heritage Haven, a tourism consultancy firm, the conference will serve as a dynamic platform for academics, entrepreneurs, rural communities, and policymakers to explore the synergy between traditional grains, gastronomy tourism, and rural development. Dr Godfrey Makandwa, tourism lecturer at Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences, and one of the conference conveners, elaborated on its objectives, stating: “This conference is designed to create a collaborative space where research meets practice. We have received submissions from sixteen higher and tertiary institutions across Zimbabwe, reflecting a strong academic interest in sustainable agriculture and gastronomy tourism.
“Our goal is to bridge the gap between academia and rural communities, ensuring that knowledge translates into tangible benefits for local economies.”
The event will feature a diverse programme, including academic paper presentations on topics such as sustainable production, nutrition, and agro-ecological mapping.
An Innovation Fair will showcase cutting-edge technologies for small grains value addition, while the Community Gastronomy Fair will allow local chefs to demonstrate traditional dishes made from indigenous ingredients.
Additionally, cultural exchange programmes will highlight the rich heritage of Zimbabwe through performances by students and rural communities.
Dr Daud Taranhike, co-founder of Integral Kumusha with his wife, Christine, at whose homestead the conference will be held emphasised the broader impact of the conference, noting: “Beyond research, this event is about empowering communities. By hosting it in a rural setting, we ensure that local entrepreneurs benefit directly through homestays, food sales, and guided tours. This aligns with our vision of regenerative local economies that thrive on traditional wisdom and modern innovations.”
The conference also supports Government’s Vision 2030, which identifies gastronomy tourism as a key component of the Culture and Heritage Cluster.
By fostering policy discussions and stakeholder collaborations, the event aims to strengthen the link between agriculture, tourism, and rural development.
In a country where climate change poses significant challenges to food security, small grains offer a sustainable alternative to maize-dominated diets.
The Buhera conference represents a critical step toward redefining Zimbabwe’s agricultural and culinary identity.
As Dr Makandwa aptly put it: “This is more than a conference, it is a movement to reclaim our heritage and build a resilient future.”
As Zimbabwe reconnects with its roots, the Buhera conference promises to be a milestone in reshaping the future of agritourism and food systems.
Online Reporter