Strengthening Rural Roots: Zimbabwean Farmers Push Back Against Imported Competition

Zimbabwean farmers are fighting back against cheap imports from South Africa and Zambia (image source)

CHINHOYI, Zimbabwe — Local farmers are ramping up efforts to reclaim market share from imported agricultural products, as Zimbabwe’s rural economy faces mounting pressure from cheaper foreign goods flooding supermarkets and informal stalls. From tomatoes to poultry, imports — particularly from South Africa and Zambia — have undercut local producers, prompting calls for stronger policy support and smarter farming practices. “We’re not afraid of competition,” said Farai Chikukwa, a tomato farmer in Banket. “But we need a level playing field.”

According to the Zimbabwe Farmers Union (ZFU), imports of fresh produce have surged by over 40% since 2022, driven by regional trade liberalisation and Zimbabwe’s own production shortfalls. While consumers benefit from lower prices, local producers say they’re being squeezed out. “Imported goods often bypass quality checks and flood the market,” said Paul Zakariya, ZFU Executive Director. “It’s hard for our farmers to compete when costs are rising and enforcement is weak.” The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development has acknowledged the issue, launching the Accelerated Irrigation Rehabilitation Programme and expanding access to inputs under the Presidential Input Scheme. But farmers say more needs to be done to protect domestic production.

In response, many farmers are turning to innovation. In Mashonaland West, cooperatives are experimenting with drip irrigation, greenhouse farming, and mobile-based market platforms to reduce waste and improve margins. “We’ve started selling directly to urban buyers using WhatsApp groups,” said Tariro Mudzonga, a poultry farmer in Kadoma. “It cuts out the middlemen and gives us better prices.” The Zimbabwe Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Services (ZAKIS) initiative, backed by the EU and FAO, has also helped farmers adopt climate-smart techniques and improve post-harvest handling.

Economists argue that Zimbabwe must strike a balance between regional trade obligations and domestic protection. While the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) promotes open markets, countries like Kenya and Nigeria have used selective tariffs and quotas to shield key sectors. “Zimbabwe should consider temporary safeguards for vulnerable crops,” said Dr. Prosper Matondi, an agricultural policy expert. “Otherwise, we risk hollowing out our rural economy.”

The government has hinted at reviewing import licensing and strengthening border checks, but implementation remains patchy. With over 60% of Zimbabwe’s population dependent on agriculture, the stakes are high. Farmers say they’re ready to compete but need fair access to finance, infrastructure, and markets. “We’re not asking for handouts,” said Chikukwa. “Just stop dumping foreign goods and let us grow.”