Written by: Georgina McAllister (GardenAfrica). Report reviewers John Wilson, Ebbie Dengu, Jeremy Cherfas, & thanks to: Cornelius Murombedzi, Michael Connolly.
Unlocking Zimbabwe’s Organic Potential – GardenAfrica
This report has been developed with the intention of sharing learning from an action
research project entitled: Livelihood Security in a Changing Environment: Organic
Conservation Agriculture in Mashonaland East, Zimbabwe. The partnership initiative was
premised on research which revealed growing domestic demand for organic goods within
Zimbabwe – demand currently serviced by imports from South Africa, while Zimbabwean
smallholders remain net recipients of food aid. The initiative therefore sought to explore
the relative opportunities presented by organic certification and market development for
Zimbabwe’s smallholder farmer sector.
When considering the rehabilitation requirements of healthcare and the learning and
retention demands of childhood education, good quality food and nutrition play a vital role
in building the physical & mental resilience of any nation. For Zimbabwe, this focus could
also signify the squaring of a difficult circle, boosting the development of a sector which
also contributes to building environmental, social and economic resilience in the face of
seemingly overwhelming rural poverty.
Implementing Partners: Fambidzanai Permaculture Centre
GardenAfrica
Zimbabwe Organic Producers & Promoters Association
Donor: Comic Relief
Contributing Institutions, Organisation & Individuals:
Agritex
Dr Mutizwa Mukute – participatory farmer research & expansive learning
Dr Roger Mpande – research on agricultural market trends
Mashonaland East Organic PGS Associations
Nelson Kuhudzai – Local market research
Practical Action – M&E, PMSD support
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – pesticidal plant analysis
SIRDC – soil analysis
