Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
BUHERA villagers are set to reap economic benefits after Government initiatives linked them directly to the Chinese market to export baobab products.
Today, export promotion body, ZimTrade, facilitated a meeting between Chinese buyers and the Chapanduka community in Buhera’s South, Ward 23, paving the way for direct exports to China.
The community, previously reliant on middlemen who sold the fruit to South Africa and other markets, will now benefit from premium prices offered by the Chinese market.
12 Chinese buyers are currently in Manicaland, meeting with farmers of horticultural products such as macadamia nuts, chilies, avocados, and blueberries.
ZimTrade Eastern Region manager, Mr Admire Jongwe said there is huge potential in exports of non-timber products to China and other markets, and the community can benefit immensely from their natural resources.
“We have brought in buyers from China who are interested in importing baobab fruit. The fruit is in high demand in China and is abundant here in Manicaland Province. Currently, villagers who pick the fruit sell it to middlemen who resell it in South Africa and later export it to countries such as China and Germany. With these buyers, we are working on modalities for the community to export directly to China so that they get better returns,” said Mr Jongwe.
Community leader, Mr Fungai Muzhingi commended the Government’s intervention, saying it will help uplift the lives of villagers through improved earnings.
“Buhera is very rich in baobab trees, which are abundant here because the weather allows the tree species to thrive. We began dealing with middlemen a few years ago, and they take the baobab powder and seeds to South Africa. The arrival of the Chinese is a huge relief for us, as we will have direct access to the market. The baobab tree is a God-given resource that we treasure, and we must get maximum benefit from it. We are also exploring other options, such as marula fruit and desert melons (mashamba), for potential export to China,” said Mr Muzhingi.
One of the Chinese buyers, Mrs Ayixiemugu Li said they were impressed by the samples of baobab powder presented to them in China, prompting them to visit to strike deals with baobab-producing communities.
“We are pleased to be here to meet with communities that can supply us with baobab fruit. Baobab is a special African tree, as its fruit can be used for many things. It is liked so much in China. The samples we received were good, which is why we decided to come here. We hope to conclude deals and start trading,” she said.
