The Zimbabwe Economic Policy Analysis and Research Unit (Zeparu) has said the growing of drought-resistant grains is the way to go to improve the country’s food security in the face of climate change.
BY MUNESU NYAKUDYA
In a study entitled Evidence-Based Small Grains Value Chain Development In Zimbabwe, Zeparu said small grains are drought-resistant and more nutritious compared to maize, Zimbabwe’s staple crop.
“The key messages for promoting small grains should articulate the drought tolerance of small grains (under current climate change-induced weather variations), as well as the nutritional value that small grains have over maize,” part of the study read.
“Certified seeds can become available on a large scale only if the demand for such seeds is placed on the seed houses, pointing at the need to subsidise small grains seed.”
Zeparu said Agritex should ensure that farmers have the necessary small grains seed production knowledge.
Currently, much of the knowledge is from experience, which rarely encompasses the use of fertiliser and herbicides which would go a long way in increasing yield, the research said.
Zeparu said the harvesting and processing of small grains should be technology-driven.
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“Poor processing methods also affect the demand for small grains by consumers, as taste is affected by foreign objects in the meal. Commercial level production of small grains should be encouraged and this should embrace technology. This would see small grains being produced on a scale that is large enough to attract investment into agro-processing on a larger scale,” Zeparu said. Although the Grain Marketing Board buys small grains in addition to maize, there is little information about small grains marketing. Zeparu said there was need for decentralisation of buying points of small grains to the farmers to enhance market access.
