By Nyasha Chingono
As the global demand for blueberries continues to rise, Zimbabwean farmers are poised to capitalize on this lucrative market opportunity. However, self-funded growers like Willard Zireva are facing significant challenges due to a lack of financial support and minimal government assistance.
Despite being one of the fastest-growing blueberry producers worldwide, with production doubling to 7,000 metric tons last year, Zimbabwean farmers are finding it difficult to secure the necessary funding for their operations.
Zimbabwe's horticultural exports, driven in part by blueberries, exceed $100 million annually. However, the sector's growth has been hindered by a lack of financial support and uncertainty surrounding land tenure, making it challenging for farmers like Zireva to expand their operations.
Currently, blueberry farming in Zimbabwe is predominantly controlled by a few remaining white farmers, many of whom are seeking foreign investment to grow their businesses.
Despite the potential for significant growth in the sector, banks in Zimbabwe are reluctant to finance agriculture due to concerns about land tenure issues. This has forced farmers like Zireva to rely on personal savings to fund their operations.
Zireva's farm aims to export 120 metric tons of blueberries this year, with plans to double output in the future. However, he estimates that his farm will require $1.2 million to expand and meet the growing demand for blueberries.
The lack of long-term financing is a major barrier to the sector's plans to double blueberry hectarage to 1,500 hectares by 2030, according to the Zimbabwe's Horticultural Development Council (HDC).
Overall, the blueberry industry in Zimbabwe presents a massive growth opportunity, but without the necessary financial support and government intervention, farmers like Zireva will continue to face challenges in expanding their operations and meeting the increasing global demand for blueberries.