Harare’s Avenues suburb will come alive with the aromas, rhythms and resilience of Zimbabwean food culture on May 30, as the Women in Farming and Entrepreneurship (WIFE) Trust hosts the Food for Life Festival at David Livingstone Primary School.
Founded by Nyaradzo Amanda Munyoro, the initiative places women and youth at the centre of the food value chain — from soil to stove to table — creating a vibrant marketplace of ideas, flavours and opportunity. Munyoro said the festival is designed to amplify often-overlooked voices while equipping participants with practical tools for growth.
“From the field to the kitchen to the marketplace, women are doing incredible work, often without recognition or support. This event brings them together to share knowledge, build networks and unlock opportunities,” she said.
This year’s edition carries added symbolic weight, aligning with the United Nations’ declared International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF). The festival also foregrounds heritage-based education, celebrating indigenous knowledge systems and African culinary traditions.
At its core is the Grassroots Project, a platform tailored for small-scale farmers, home-based food processors and emerging entrepreneurs. Exhibition tables are priced at US$20 to ensure accessibility, while a US$2 entry fee keeps the event open yet purposeful.
“Accessibility is a priority,” Munyoro said. “We want to remove financial barriers while still delivering a rich, meaningful experience through partnerships and community support.”
Keep Reading
Attendees can expect a sensory journey, with live cooking demonstrations, traditional dishes, tasting sessions and storytelling woven through food. Workshops and talks will explore sustainable food systems, while networking spaces aim to spark collaboration and unlock markets.
The festival, Munyoro added, is as much about confidence as it is about commerce — a space where women leave with new skills, fresh contacts and renewed belief in their craft.
The vision was born from a familiar gap: talented women working tirelessly but lacking access to markets, platforms and recognition. WIFE Trust aims to bridge that divide with long-term impact.
A diverse lineup of speakers is expected, including representatives from government ministries, development organisations and the private sector. Cultural performances will complement discussions, celebrating Zimbabwe’s creative identity.
To make the most of the festival, attendees are encouraged to engage actively — sampling food, asking questions and building connections. “Bring your story,” Munyoro advised. “Connections are everything.”
The choice of venue reflects the festival’s ethos. A school setting underscores learning, growth and community — values that mirror the event’s mission.
Rooted in local identity, the festival prioritises Zimbabwean produce, traditional recipes and homegrown enterprises. In doing so, it strengthens local value chains while nurturing pride in indigenous knowledge and practice.
Looking ahead, organisers envision national expansion, building on the festival’s growth since its launch in 2024. Opportunities remain open for partners, sponsors, volunteers and participants aligned with its mission.