Zimbabwe: Muzarabani farmers struggle for the sesame seed market

In Muzarabani, Zimbabwe, farmers are learning to cultivate sesame as an alternative cash crop, inspired by its resilience to drought and high market value. This shift is particularly important for farmers in drought-prone areas like Kaerezi, who have suffered financial losses from unpaid cotton by Cottco. The Zimbabwe Red Cross Society (ZRCS) has spearheaded this initiative, providing training and securing land for the crop. However, finding a market for the sesame seeds has become a challenge for the farmers, who face difficulties in transporting the crop and struggle with low prices offered by Mozambican buyers. Meanwhile, demand for sesame seeds remains high on the global stage, with significant exports and major buyers like China, Japan, and Turkey. Zimtrade, the national trade development organization, is working to boost Zimbabwe's sesame production and market presence, targeting over 1,200 small-scale farmers. The government's initiative to produce 100,000 tonnes of sesame during the 2020/21 summer farming season aims to capitalize on the crop's potential, positioning it among the top sesame-producing countries like Sudan, India, and Ethiopia.