Zimbabweans are increasingly turning to small grains such as sorghum and millet as a way of coping with the effects of climate change, which have led to frequent droughts and erratic rainfall in the southern African nation.
According to SeedCo Limited, a listed seed producer, the delayed onset of the rainy season late last year prompted an increase in small grains demand, extending into the last quarter of the financial year in Zimbabwe and neighboring countries.
“This demand for small grains holds significant potential to clawback annual sales volume performance not only in Zimbabwe but also in neighboring countries,” said Tineyi Chatiza, the company’s group secretary, in a trading update for the third quarter ended December 31, 2024.
Small grains are more resilient to harsh weather conditions and require less water and inputs than maize, the staple food crop in Zimbabwe. Maize production has been severely affected by recurrent droughts and poor agricultural practices, forcing the country to import the commodity to feed its population of about 15 million people.
Benefits of small grains
Small grains not only offer a solution to food insecurity but also have nutritional and environmental benefits. They are rich in protein, fiber, minerals, and antioxidants, and can help prevent diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular problems.
They also improve soil fertility, reduce soil erosion, and enhance biodiversity, according to experts.
“Small grains are good for the environment because they are adapted to low rainfall and low soil fertility. They can fix nitrogen in the soil and increase organic matter. They also attract beneficial insects and birds that help in pest control and pollination,” said Dr. Munyaradzi Jonga, a senior lecturer in crop science at the University of Zimbabwe.
Jonga stated that small grains can serve as animal feed, contribute to biofuel production, and find applications in industry, thereby creating additional income opportunities for farmers and entrepreneurs.
Challenges and opportunities
Despite the advantages of small grains, their adoption and consumption face some challenges, such as low availability of quality seeds, lack of mechanization, poor storage and processing facilities, low market prices, and consumer preferences.
Jonga said that there is a need to promote research and development, extension services, value addition, and marketing of small grains to increase their production and utilization.
He also urged the government to provide incentives and subsidies to small grain farmers and processors, as well as to implement policies that support climate-smart agriculture.
“There is a huge potential for small grains to contribute to food security, nutrition, income generation, and environmental sustainability in Zimbabwe and beyond. We need to harness this potential and make small grains a priority crop in our agricultural systems,” he said.
Some initiatives are already underway to promote small grains in Zimbabwe. For instance, the Zimbabwe Resilience Building Fund, a multi-donor fund supported by the European Union, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United Nations Development Programme, has been providing small grains seeds, inputs, training, and market linkages to over 800,000 farmers in 18 districts.
The fund’s manager, Emmanuel de Groof, said that the project has seen positive results in terms of increased yields, incomes, and food diversity among the beneficiaries.
De Groof expressed optimism that small grains will continue to gain popularity and recognition in Zimbabwe and beyond, as more people realize their benefits and potential.
“Small grains are a ray of hope for a brighter and greener future. They are a win-win solution for farmers, consumers, and the planet,” he said.
Source: New Zimbabwe
