Staff Reporter
Villagers in Mwenezi and surrounding areas are set to earn approximately US$20,000 from the sale of 400 tonnes of mapfura (marula) fruit this season, following efforts by the National Biotechnology Authority of Zimbabwe (NBTAZ) to expand processing at its Rutenga plant.
So far, 90 tonnes have been processed, with plans to purchase an additional 360 tonnes from local farmers. More than 1,000 villagers, primarily women and youth, are benefiting from the initiative, which provides vital income and employment opportunities.
The marula fruit, traditionally used for local consumption and brewing traditional beverages, is now being transformed into high-value products such as cosmetic oils, wine, and animal feed. NBTAZ’s investment in processing and value addition has not only created new revenue streams but also reduced post-harvest losses.
Engineer Noel Mapfura, who is involved in the project’s processing operations, highlighted the role of biotechnology in maximizing the economic potential of the fruit.
"This initiative goes beyond just selling raw fruit. By applying biotechnology, we are extracting maximum value from marula through advanced processing techniques. This ensures long-term sustainability, increased income for farmers, and greater economic benefits for the entire community," he said.
For local farmers, the expansion of the marula industry has brought much-needed financial relief. Sarah Ncube, a farmer who has been selling mapfura for the past two seasons, shared her excitement about the growing market.
"Before this project, we had no proper buyers, and much of the fruit would go to waste. Now, we can sell in bulk and earn a decent income. This money helps us buy food, pay school fees, and improve our homes," she said.
As demand for marula-based products grows, NBTAZ is planning to establish marula nurseries and expand the initiative into other districts. The success of the project aligns with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030, which seeks to transform rural communities by promoting local resource utilization, industrialization, and inclusive economic growth, ensuring that small-scale farmers and rural entrepreneurs play a key role in national development.
