Matoba, (New Ziana)-A group of women from Matobo and Mangwe districts in Matabeleland South province have ventured into a lucrative business of gathering Kalahari melon seeds (Citrullus lanatus/amajodo), ximenia seeds (genus Olacaceae), and marula nuts (Sclerocarya birrea/inkelo) and shipping tons of these to Germany, where they are crushed to produce high-value body oils.
What was once a subsistence activity has now become a lifeline, providing critical income for families and breathing new economic hope into the region.
So far, the group of women has exported eight tons of the seeds to Kaza Oils in Germany, with another consignment expected to be shipped at the end of this month.
In an interview, project coordinator Hleziphi Nkomo told New Ziana that the district`s natural wealth was being harnessed to improve the lives of local communities.
“We are exporting seeds to Germany, capitalising on the abundance in our
region. So far, we have exported eight tons, and the company is returning soon for more. This is just the beginning, we want to keep growing this market,” she said.
Nkomo said while marula nuts remain plentiful, ximenia seeds were hit hard by the heavy rains received in the region last season.
One of the project participants, Maureen Ndebele said exporting to the European market is something their district desperately needs as it helps grow the local economy and the country at large.
“Having a market in Europe means earning foreign currency, something our district desperately needs. These seeds are a God-given resource, and we are determined to make the most of this opportunity,” she said.
The success story aligns with country`s developmental agenda to integrate rural businesses into export markets, with the trade promotion body ZimTrade actively empowering small-scale producers through cluster initiatives and capacity-building programs.
A local business analyst Fred Kutsiga said the Matobo women’s venture is an example of what’s possible when rural communities are included into global value chains.
“This success story is no longer just about survival of local women but it’s about prosperity, pride, and the power of homegrown enterprise,” he said.
New Ziana
