MDX-led project could help lift small farmers in Zimbabwe out of poverty

Green Farm Africa will train and empower around 300 farmers in the African country in smart technology and global accreditation

A new project spearheaded by Middlesex University could help lift many small farmers in Zimbabwe out of poverty by training them in smart technology and environmental management practices and having their businesses globally accredited, which will open new UK and Europe trade links.

Middlesex University leads the Green Farm Africa project through the Centre for Enterprise, Environment and Development Research (CEEDR) and GreenFin research cluster, working with Royal Holloway University of London, Lincoln University and Reading University, providing academic expertise and international ecological and development experience.  

Green Farm Africa’s main objective is to train and empower small farmers, around 300 initially in Zimbabwe, with smart technology such as satellite weather forecasting and drone crop and land use monitoring to improving their farming. They will also be helped to deliver farming practices which meet Global Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) standards suitable for export to the UK and European markets.

Zimbabwean farmers involved can connect their fresh food produce such as sweet potatoes, mangos and melons to viable UK export markets by working with Destination Produce, a UK retail and wholesale buyers group, which will ensure high quality sustainable and ethically farmed fresh produce from Africa can meet British consumer demand.

The Green Farm Africa ‘Green Stamp’ accreditation can also achieve premium pricing. This project aims to create a social and sustainable farming system of fresh food, known as a ‘green block chain’, which protects workers and consumers.

Academics from the Green Farm Africa research programme recently hosted delegates representing Zimbabwe, including Nomabea horticultural group, small farmer representatives and the UK Embassy of Zimbabwe.

Robyn Owen, Professor of Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Finance from CEEDR and GreenFin: who is leading the research, said: “Green Farm Africa Zimbabwe, which will initially support a pilot group of 300 small farmers, represents an important step towards raising the social and environmental standards of Zimbabwean small farming, whilst also addressing the UK’s food security in the face of current climate and economic crises.”

Mrs Alma Bhebe, the lead Zimbabwe delegate from Nomabea Horticulture, said: “I’m delighted to see our dreams coming true to improve our small farmers lives and export the wonderful fresh food products that Zimbabwe has to offer.”

This project continues to highlight Middlesex University’s UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) aspirations after it was ranked 8th globally for SDG 10 which relates to reducing inequalities in the Times Higher Education Impact Rating meaning it is a global leader in having practises, policies and research which help reduce social and economic gaps.

Green Farm Africa empowers smallholder farmers across Sub-Saharan Africa and spans 14 countries. It is estimated that 60% of the Sub-Saharan farming market use small scale operations and research indicates the region could produce 2-3 times current cereal crop yields and significantly expand horticultural production.

As part of Green Farm Africa project, EnrichGeo Technologies will deliver the technology platform offering farm management systems, satellite mapping, environmental monitoring and blockchain-based logistics solutions.

“We are passionate about supporting African small farmers and putting them front and centre of our work. We support all types of small farmer including women farmers and aim to raise their living standards through the adoption of smart technologies which can offer climate resilience and raise yields.”

Tonye Khama, CEO of EnrichGeo Technology

Destination Produce will provide UK market access, connecting certified farmers directly to retailers and premium buyers whilst offering import standards guidance. Local partnerships include farmer collectives such as SheFarmers, regional farming associations across Nigeria and Zimbabwe, and community-based organisations supporting smallholder farmers.

Green Farm Africa builds on MDX GreenFin’s recent research on Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SME) nature positive finance for the UK Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) which focuses on financing and technology transfer to emerging small farmer markets in Sub Sahara Africa.

Destination Produce will provide UK market access, connecting certified farmers directly to retailers and premium buyers whilst offering import standards guidance. Local partnerships include farmer collectives such as SheFarmers, regional farming associations across Nigeria and Zimbabwe, and community-based organisations supporting smallholder farmers.

Green Farm Africa builds on MDX GreenFin’s recent research on Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SME) nature positive finance for the UK Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) which focuses on financing and technology transfer to emerging small farmer markets in Sub Sahara Africa.

Find out more about the MDX GreenFin research.