-regulatory framework drawback
Roseline Mutare
A 19-year-old farmer from Masvingo, Ian Blessed Muyanga, is making waves in the agricultural sector with his passion and dedication to farming. Encouraged by his parents, Muyanga started farming in December 2022, following in the footsteps of his father, Ian Muyanga, a farm manager at Great Zimbabwe University.
Blessed who suppliers, green mealies, tomatoes, green pepper and cabbages has a 5hectare plot which is strategically located about 10km from Masvingo City along Mutare Road.
With a strong foundation in agriculture, Muyanga is currently focusing on poultry and seasonal horticulture. He supplies Garikai Market (Chitima) and several food restaurants in Masvingo. However, he says he faces significant challenges as a young farmer, particularly in accessing bigger markets.
“The major challenge I face is the lack of paperwork, which prevents me from supplying big companies, when I try to get a loan from the Agricultural Finance Corporation (AFC) bank or other banks they require proof of supply, such as receipts. The problem is, some of the people I supply to cannot even write, making it difficult for me to obtain the necessary documentation,” said Muyanga.
The young farmer is calling on agricultural-based companies to ease their terms and conditions, allowing young farmers like himself to grow and develop in the sector.
“I believe that if companies could relax their requirements, it would give young farmers a chance to prove themselves and grow in the industry,” he said.
As the agricultural sector continues to evolve, it is essential that companies and organizations support young farmers like Muyanga, providing them with the necessary resources and opportunities to succeed. By doing so, they can help shape the future of agriculture in Zimbabwe and contribute to the country’s economic growth and development.
Currently, Muyanga is pursuing a two-year course in agriculture at Blackfordey College of Agriculture in Mazowe. He said his passion for farming and dedication to his craft are evident in his work, and he is an inspiration to other young people considering a career in agriculture.
