USAID Zimbabwe designed an NTFP activity which sought to improve the resilience of vulnerable and marginalized communities (particularly women and youth) through increased incomes and strengthened environmental stewardship from the commercialization of non-timber forest products in Zimbabwe. The target population for this activity are vulnerable communities inhabiting Natural Regions IV and V, which make up about 60% of the total land area of Zimbabwe. In these regions annual rainfall is less than 650 mm, there are high levels of food insecurity, low levels of household nutrition, and limited incomes. DevPact was commissioned by TechnoServe to conduct an NTFP sector analyses with the aim of selecting, prioritizing and conduct a detailed value chain analysis for NTFP crops in Natural Regions IV and V in Zimbabwe. The commodities selected for the study were identified on the basis of stakeholder consultation, including with target communities. The study assessed the status, constraints, and economic potential of the selected commodities. The study also reviewed community-level productivity of selected commodities, input and output markets for commodities in question, land tenure, community organizations/cooperatives, access to finance by agribusinesses and extension. The ultimate objective was to identify the most competitive NTFP value chains for commercialization within the target geographies. The value chains identified included baobab, marula, ilala palm, mopani worms and apiculture.

Partner: Techno Serve

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