ADVERTISEMENT
Monday, January 30, 2023
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
Involve Africa
  • Home
  • All African News
  • Politics
  • Technology
  • Entertainment News
    • Travel
    • Tourism
    • Arts
  • Finance
    • Food & Agriculture
    • Business & Economy
  • Crypto News
  • Energy & Environment
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • All African News
  • Politics
  • Technology
  • Entertainment News
    • Travel
    • Tourism
    • Arts
  • Finance
    • Food & Agriculture
    • Business & Economy
  • Crypto News
  • Energy & Environment
No Result
View All Result
Involve Africa
No Result
View All Result
ADVERTISEMENT
Home Food & Agriculture

Banana boom improves food, nutrition and income security for smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe | FAO

Involve Africa by Involve Africa
June 13, 2022
in Food & Agriculture
0
Banana boom improves food, nutrition and income security for smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe | FAO
585
SHARES
3.2k
VIEWS
https://web.facebook.com/involveafricanews?_rdc=1&https://twitter.com/involveafricanews


Due to a combination of factors that include poor output markets, low liquidity among smallholder farmers and lack of affordable credit to finance seasonal production costs (including equipment operation, maintenance and repair costs), smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe have not been able to access affordable inputs to increase their production. In addition to this, the economic meltdown witnessed in Zimbabwe in the past decade, saw many smallholder irrigation schemes significantly reduce their operational capacity or grind to a halt due to lack of maintenance. FAO supported smallholder farmers in the region by introducing a programme that improved banana cultivars, organized farmers into a group for marketing and linked farmers to Matanuska, a leading private banana export company. This programme was implemented from 2005 – 2012 through various projects funded by the European Union, Sweden, the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Republic of South Africa.

The rapid 800-meter drop in altitude between Mutare and the Mupangwa irrigation scheme in the Honde valley may not be easy on the ears but the breath-taking view as you go down the mutarazi escarpment certainly makes up for the ear discomfort. Tacked between the Eastern Highlands mountain range and Mount Inyangani in Zimbabwe, the thriving banana plantations provide an important food and income source for the smallholder families. 

“It is really amazing to see how smallholder farmers in Mupangwa have taken up their own livelihoods by improving banana farming – top class bananas with high export value. While FAO, the Government and others have been major partners, it is impressive to see that they are now self-reliant”, said Mr Bukar Tijani, FAO Assistant Director General for Africa – as he recently visited the smallholder farmers in Mutasa.

The scheme spans through 32 hectares and is largely under gravity fed sprinkler irrigation system. It has 24 members, each with a plot holding of between 1-2 hectares. FAO supported the community by rehabilitating the physical irrigation infrastructure as well as the access road. This has assisted with movement of inputs such as fertilizers and planting material to the farms, as well as facilitated easy transportation of produce to the markets.

Expanding through knowledge sharing
FAO support for the smallholder farmers was prompted by the fact that, despite the valley being blessed with abundant water resources, the banana yield was very low. The programme introduced improved banana cultivars, organized farmers into a group for marketing and linked farmers to Matanuska, a leading private banana export company. 

“Since the new varieties were introduced, we have learned a lot. But we did no just keep this knowledge to ourselves. As you come down the valley you can now see that this is no longer Honde valley but banana valley”, said Mr. B. Nezomba the Chairperson for Mupangwa Irrigation Scheme. 

Through the skills transfer component of the programme, the schemes members have shared what they learned from the programme with others. “Everyone is now planting bananas the same way that we do at Mupangwa – we were the first to do it this way and others have copied this good practice taught to us”, he added.

In 2012, the volume of worlds gross banana exports reached a record high of 16.5 million tonnes. Africa’s exports, which accounted for 3.9 percent of this figure, had also grown by 2.4 percent between 2010 and 2012 with exports reaching 649 000 tonnes. The Honde valley may be nowhere near the world’s major players for now, but with plans to expand their production, improve their storage facilities and upgrade their irrigation equipment, they indeed do have cause to be hopeful.

Youth too have a role to play
“Such partnerships are indeed very encouraging. FAO is all about facilitating such partnerships so that communities across Africa  – as we have seen at Mupangwa – can have real livelihoods in agriculture, fisheries, livestock and forest products. It was impressive to see young men leading the group and this is testimony of the fact that the youth can play an important role in agriculture”, Tijani said. 

More than half of the African population is under 25 years old – making it the youngest region in the world. Approximately 11 million young Africans are currently estimated to join the labour market every year. Creating decent employment opportunities for this young labour force – in a transformed, dynamic and vibrant agricultural sector – is crucial if Africa is to reap this demographic dividend. 

FAO will continue to be a major partner in replicating such projects across Africa so that the youth can be involved in productive livelihoods. “It is part of the process in which we are working with African Governments, African Union, farmer organizations, civil society, the private sector, donors and others to end hunger by 2025”, Mr Tijani concluded.

This programme was implemented from 2005 – 2012 through various projects funded by the European Union, Sweden, the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Republic of South Africa. Other elements of the programme also supported smallholder tea and coffee production.



Source_link

You might also like

ThreatSpike Red Disrupts Elite Cybersecurity Market with Revolutionary Offensive Cybersecurity Service for all Businesses

South Sudanese refugees regain livelihoods in the Democratic Republic of the Congo | FAO

Tunisia, Senegal to Update Cooperation Agreement On Agriculture

Previous Post

Things to Do in Redmond Oregon and Nearby

Next Post

CELEBRATE FATHER’S DAY WITH GROOT CONSTANTIA’S “AT HOME” WINE PAIRING EXPERIENCE

Involve Africa

Involve Africa

Related Posts

ThreatSpike Red Disrupts Elite Cybersecurity Market with Revolutionary Offensive Cybersecurity Service for all Businesses
Food & Agriculture

ThreatSpike Red Disrupts Elite Cybersecurity Market with Revolutionary Offensive Cybersecurity Service for all Businesses

by Involve Africa
January 30, 2023
South Sudanese refugees regain livelihoods in the Democratic Republic of the Congo | FAO
Food & Agriculture

South Sudanese refugees regain livelihoods in the Democratic Republic of the Congo | FAO

by Involve Africa
January 30, 2023
Tunisia, Senegal to Update Cooperation Agreement On Agriculture
Food & Agriculture

Tunisia, Senegal to Update Cooperation Agreement On Agriculture

by Involve Africa
January 29, 2023
Feed Africa Summit (Dakar 2) – Closing press conference | African Development Bank
Food & Agriculture

Feed Africa Summit (Dakar 2) – Closing press conference | African Development Bank

by Involve Africa
January 29, 2023
100+ Fun and Unique Duck Names
Food & Agriculture

100+ Fun and Unique Duck Names

by Involve Africa
January 29, 2023
Next Post
CELEBRATE FATHER’S DAY WITH GROOT CONSTANTIA’S “AT HOME” WINE PAIRING EXPERIENCE

CELEBRATE FATHER’S DAY WITH GROOT CONSTANTIA’S “AT HOME” WINE PAIRING EXPERIENCE

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recommended

Kenya: Agriculture CS Says Coffee Farmers to Access Sh2.7 Billion Loan

Africa: Ukraine, Africa, and Our Planet

June 10, 2022
what the result of the confidence vote means for the PM and the Conservative Party

what the result of the confidence vote means for the PM and the Conservative Party

June 6, 2022

Categories

  • All African News
  • Arts
  • Business & Economy
  • Crypto News
  • Energy & Environment
  • Entertainment News
  • Finance
  • Food & Agriculture
  • News Videos
  • Politics
  • Technology
  • Tourism
  • Travel

Don't miss it

Will a global circular economy help or hurt Africa?
Technology

Will a global circular economy help or hurt Africa?

January 30, 2023
Cardano Price Hits Bull Trigger as Mystery Buyers Scoop Up Over 4 Billion ADA ⋆ ZyCrypto
Crypto News

Cardano Price Hits Bull Trigger as Mystery Buyers Scoop Up Over 4 Billion ADA ⋆ ZyCrypto

January 30, 2023
I Rescued Atiku When Obasanjo Wanted To Roast Him Like Goat Meat – Tinubu
Entertainment News

I Rescued Atiku When Obasanjo Wanted To Roast Him Like Goat Meat – Tinubu

January 30, 2023
Wagner Group Redefined: Threats and Responses
All African News

Wagner Group Redefined: Threats and Responses

January 30, 2023
Try These Unique Ways to Lower Your Gas Bill In The Winter
Finance

Try These Unique Ways to Lower Your Gas Bill In The Winter

January 30, 2023
Cactus Restaurant Lagos – Fine Dining Experience
Travel

Cactus Restaurant Lagos – Fine Dining Experience

January 30, 2023

Social Bar

Welcome to involve Africa The goal of involve Africa is to give you the absolute best news sources for any topic! Our topics are carefully curated and constantly updated as we know the web moves fast so we try to as well.

Categories

  • All African News
  • Arts
  • Business & Economy
  • Crypto News
  • Energy & Environment
  • Entertainment News
  • Finance
  • Food & Agriculture
  • News Videos
  • Politics
  • Technology
  • Tourism
  • Travel

Site Links

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions

Recent News

Will a global circular economy help or hurt Africa?

Will a global circular economy help or hurt Africa?

January 30, 2023
Cardano Price Hits Bull Trigger as Mystery Buyers Scoop Up Over 4 Billion ADA ⋆ ZyCrypto

Cardano Price Hits Bull Trigger as Mystery Buyers Scoop Up Over 4 Billion ADA ⋆ ZyCrypto

January 30, 2023

INVOLVEAFRICA.COM

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • All African News
  • Politics
  • Technology
  • Entertainment News
    • Travel
    • Tourism
    • Arts
  • Finance
    • Food & Agriculture
    • Business & Economy
  • Crypto News
  • Energy & Environment

INVOLVEAFRICA.COM

What Are Cookies
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
Cookie SettingsAccept All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT