Organic certifications for the export market
Food security through the promotion of smallholder farmers
In close cooperation with the private sector, we work with the Organic Farming Academy (OFA) to support smallholder farmers and wild plant collectors through training in certified and regenerative organic farming.
To ensure the necessary food safety, we track the movement of a food product through certain stages of production, processing and distribution. This is made possible by the accompanying introduction of a traceability system . Our partners conduct preparatory training courses as a prerequisite for the organic certification of smallholder farmers. These measures enable integration into the export market.
Framework conditions that inhibit economic success
Political tensions and the effects of climate change have prevented existing potentials from being exploited in recent decades. According to estimates by the World Food Programme (WFP), around 8 million inhabitants, almost half of the population, are affected by hunger and malnutrition. Many farms have had to close or are in poor condition. Legal uncertainty and lack of access to credit limit the economic success of smallholder farmers.
In fact, however, the agricultural conditions are comparatively good. This is where we at AFOS come in with our project work.
Potentials in organic certification of smallholders
Zimbabwe has rich deposits of mineral resources, good agricultural potential and a comparatively diversified economy. The climatic diversity of the different altitudes enables the cultivation of a wide range of crops. By linking up with old production structures, qualification programmes and the resulting introduction of globally valid certifications , smallholder farmers and wild plant collectors in Zimbabwe can contribute to food security in the country.
What we have already achieved
Since its inception, the project has
- trained over 15,000 smallholder farmers and wild plant collectors across the country (news article on the topic) and
- over 2,000 certified for organic farming.
- 3 new training modules have been developed and 5 digital programs have been published on the partners’ communication channels.
- With the introduction of two mobile training sessions , the target group can be reached at any place and at any time.
The success factor of this project lies in the direct cooperation with the private sector: thecombination of social entrepreneurship with a special initiative financed by public funds contributes to sustainable solutions to social, economic and environmental challenges.
What we are doing concretely to advance the organic certification of smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe
- We create demand- and practice-oriented certification trainings that enable participants from marginalized population groups to achieve sustainable income generation and at the same time use natural resources sustainably
- We prepare organic certification offers for food to promote the integration of smallholder farmers and wild plant collectors into the export market
- We focus on expanding cooperation between agricultural business enterprises and certification bodies to enhance the growth of the organic market in Zimbabwe and the region.
AFOS partner organisations in Zimbabwe
In Zimbabwe, we work closely with the Organic Farming Academy (OFA), which contributes to the holistic
development of Zimbabwe and its people.
