USAID-STAMP: Macadamias Transform Subsistence Farming in Zimbabwe

Macadamias have the dual benefit of being both nutritious and lucrative, presenting ways to improve health and earning potential. Macadamias can provide a gross margin return of $6,184 per hectare when in full production. These farmers had previously been growing maize and small vegetable crops for home consumption. They also grew tea for sale to Tanganda, but were not earning much due to low tea prices and had abandoned their tea plantations. With support from USAID-STAMP, the farmers are receiving seedlings and fertilizer from program partner Tanganda. USAID-STAMP agronomists provide ongoing technical assistance in agronomic best practices. The farmers learned to prepare their fields using good agricultural practices such as mulching and composting, which help improve yields and quality. The crop is still growing, and the first harvest is expected in three to four months. Farmers are enthusiastic about their earning potential thanks to a strong national and international market. They have expressed interest in expanding their macadamia plantations using their new income. To ensure year-round income and food security, the farmers are also planting maize, sweet potatoes, and fruit trees, employing the same good agricultural practices they learned from USAID-STAMP. Smallholder farmers, such as Lucious Mhlanga, are optimistic about their farming business. Mhlanga could earn more than $600 a year from his 0.1 hectare plot, creating a sustainable and profitable farming business for his family. The farmers expect to pick around 1,200 kilograms per hectare during their first harvest, a number that is expected to jump to 3,000-5,000 kilograms in subsequent years. The average price on the local and international market is $2.00 per kilogram, meaning these previously subsistence-level farmers could earn more than $10,000 per year when their macadamia crops are in full production. The success of the USAID-STAMP program is attributed to the technical assistance and support provided to the farmers. The program's focus on high-value crops such as macadamias has enabled the farmers to improve their earning potential and achieve a more sustainable and profitable farming business. The program's impact is expected to be long-lasting, as the farmers are now equipped with the knowledge and skills to continue growing and producing high-value crops.