Project News

The ZIM-SHEP team comprising of Head Office, Province and District Specialist and Frontline Extension staff conducted Market survey in Manicaland from the 4th to 7th October 2021.

Participating irrigation scheme included Nyakomba, Murambinda and Bwerudza. Nyakomba and Bwerudza irrigation scheme chose 8 representatives comprising 4 female and 4 male plot holders per block for the exercise. However, Murambinda had only 8 representatives selected commensurate to its plot holder number. The farmers' representatives visited 4 places including three possible markets such as an open market, super market, a boarding school and input distributor/ supplier.

At the day of exercise, the farmers' representatives asked several questions using the Market survey sheet to probe essential information in farming business such as peak demand period, price, quality, quantity requirements, mode and terms of payment. Following the exercise, some of the interviewed farmers testified that they have never conducted a market survey on their own. And a farmer narrated that she learnt the benefits of working as a group.

The farmers' representatives were looking forward to discussing and planning with other farmers for enhanced production and marketing after the exercise.

The eight farmers' representatives will hold a feedback meeting with the rest of the farmers in their respective scheme with guidance from the Agricultural Extension Officers. After the meeting, they will conduct the crop selection and crop calendar making in 4 to 6 weeks by themselves.

Farmers conducting market survey in open market. (1)

Farmers conducting market survey in open market.(2)

Farmers conducting market survey in boarding school.

Farmers interviewing input supplier.

Farmers eagerly taking notes during the survey. (1)

Farmers eagerly taking notes during the survey. (2)