Cultivating Futures: How Young Zimbabweans Can Thrive in the Blueberry Value Chain.

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Cultivating Futures: How Young Zimbabweans Can Thrive in the Blueberry Value Chain.

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Cultivating Futures: How Young Zimbabweans Can Thrive in the Blueberry Value Chain.

Discover the Blueberry Value Chain.

Youth Envoy

Jan 27, 2025

5 mins to read

Cultivating Futures: How Young Zimbabweans Can Thrive in the Blueberry Value Chain.

HARARE, ZIMBABWE – Zimbabwe's agricultural sector is currently experiencing a dynamic shift, with the burgeoning blueberry industry emerging as a significant driver of growth and a beacon of opportunity, particularly for the nation's youth.

While Peru remains the global leader in blueberry exports, Zimbabwe has firmly established itself as Africa's leading producer of this high-value crop and holds the distinction of having the world's fastest-growing blueberry industry over the past five years.

This rapid expansion, underpinned by favourable climate

, fertile soils

, and evolving farming practices, offers a compelling blueprint for youth engagement across various segments of the agricultural value chain.

The statistics underscore this remarkable ascent. From a modest 482 tonnes of exports in the 2018/2019 season, Zimbabwe's blueberry shipments are projected to reach an estimated 4,096 tonnes in the 2024/2025 season.

More recently, ZimStats reports a nearly 50% year-on-year surge in berry exports (predominantly blueberries), jumping from 5.6 million kilograms in 2023 to 8.39 million kilograms in 2024. This aggressive growth has translated directly into economic gains, with ZimTrade and TradeMap 2025 revealing a staggering 351% increase in blueberry export earnings, climbing from US11.1 million in 2020 to an impressive US50.1 million in 2024.

This "blue gold" is increasingly sought after in discerning markets across Europe (with the Netherlands, Germany, and the UK as key destinations)

, the Middle East

, and Asia

, becoming a vital source of foreign currency.

Crucially, this flourishing industry is not just about large-scale commercial farms. It's creating a myriad of entry points for young people, offering diverse roles beyond traditional farming. For ambitious young Zimbabweans, understanding and participating in the blueberry value chain—from "seed to shelf"—presents a strategic pathway to entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods.

Opportunities for Youth Across the Blueberry Value Chain:

* Cultivation and Production: While blueberry farming is capital-intensive (estimated at US70,000 to US120,000 per hectare for establishment), opportunities exist for youth through outgrower schemes, cooperative farming models, and employment on commercial farms. Young agricultural graduates can leverage their knowledge in modern farming techniques, irrigation management

, pest control

, and sustainable practices. The Horticultural Development Council (HDC) aims to expand cultivation to 1,500 hectares by 2030, projecting an annual output of 30,000 metric tonnes, which will significantly increase the demand for skilled farm labor and management.

* Input Supply and Agronomy Services: The expanding blueberry sector requires a robust supply chain for specialized inputs such as high-quality seedlings, fertilizers, pest control agents, and irrigation equipment. Young entrepreneurs can establish businesses supplying these inputs, or offer agronomic advisory services, providing technical expertise to both emerging and established growers.

* Post-Harvest Handling and Logistics: Maintaining the quality of fresh blueberries from farm to market is paramount. This segment offers significant potential for youth in roles related to:

* Cold Chain Management: Operating and maintaining cold storage facilities

, refrigerated transport

, and ensuring temperature-controlled environments.

* Packaging and Sorting: Implementing quality control, grading, and packaging blueberries for export markets, adhering to international standards.

* Logistics and Export Facilitation: Managing domestic transportation, coordinating air freight

(the primary export method for fresh berries, though efforts are being made to explore sea freight via Durban and Beira), and navigating export regulations and documentation.

* Value Addition and Processing: While fresh exports dominate, there's a growing global market for processed blueberry products. Young innovators can explore opportunities in:

* Juice and Puree Production: Processing surplus or off-grade berries into juices

, concentrates, or purees.

* Dried Blueberries: Utilizing solar or conventional drying methods to create dried blueberry snacks.

* Jams, Jellies, and Baked Goods: Developing artisanal products for local and regional markets.

* Nutraceuticals: Exploring the extraction of beneficial compounds from blueberries for health supplements.

* Marketing and Digital Platforms: The global nature of the blueberry market necessitates strong marketing. Tech-savvy youth can play a crucial role in:

* Digital Marketing and E-commerce: Promoting Zimbabwean blueberries online, reaching international buyers, and managing online sales platforms.

* Brand Development: Creating distinct brands for Zimbabwean blueberries, highlighting their quality and origin.

* Market Intelligence: Conducting research on global market trends, consumer preferences, and identifying new export destinations.

Addressing Challenges, Fostering Growth:

Despite the impressive growth, the industry faces hurdles such as limited access to patient capital for investment, challenges with land tenure for collateral, high utility costs, and the need for enhanced cold chain infrastructure. Addressing these systemic issues through government intervention, concessional funding, and partnerships with financial institutions is crucial.

For young people, initiatives focused on skills development, mentorship, and access to start-up capital are vital. Government programs, in partnership with private sector players and development organizations, should aim to:

* Facilitate access to low-interest loans for youth venturing into blueberry cultivation or value-addition enterprises.

* Provide practical training and incubation programs in modern horticultural techniques, business management, and export procedures.

* Strengthen extension services to offer technical support and guidance to young farmers.

Zimbabwe's blueberry boom offers more than just economic statistics; it presents a vibrant narrative of agricultural renaissance. By strategically empowering its youth to participate actively across the entire value chain, Zimbabwe is not only securing its position as a global horticultural force but also cultivating a resilient and prosperous future for generations to come

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