Story by Owen Mandovha
THE state-owned Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) is emerging as a key driver of rural industrialisation under the National Development Strategy Two (NDS2), with its integrated fruit processing plant in Norton creating jobs and expanding market opportunities for small-scale farmers.
At least 4 000 farmers are benefiting from value addition initiatives at Best Fruit Processors in Norton, while the facility has created direct employment for at least 150 people.
The impact of the project came into focus during a visit by the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Minister of Agriculture, Honourable Jean-Pierre Kelenga Mutapaie, who toured the facility as part of an industrial knowledge exchange programme.
The plant processes tomatoes, guavas and other fruits, providing farmers with a ready market while promoting value addition within the agricultural sector.
“This is a demonstration of how important value addition is in creating jobs by moving up the value chain, and ARDA has successfully demonstrated that aspect. We are excited to learn more about this model, where many farmers are benefiting from an established market. Back home, we will seek to draw lessons from this experience and implement similar initiatives in the DRC,” said Honourable Mutapaie.
Representing ARDA Chief Executive Officer Mr Tinotenda Mhiko, Director of Commercial Services Mr Dominic Sadziwa said the project is contributing to Government’s industrialisation agenda while improving livelihoods.
“Four thousand farmers are direct beneficiaries of this project, which is making a significant difference to livelihoods. It is also a response to Government’s call to accelerate industrialisation, which is essential for employment creation and economic growth,” he said.
During his visit, Honourable Mutapaie also toured agro-processing firms, including Seed Co and Kuminda, as Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo deepen cooperation in agriculture and industrial development.
The visit underscores growing regional interest in Zimbabwe’s agricultural value addition model and its potential to support industrialisation, employment creation and broader economic growth.
