The status of the agro-processing industry in Zimbabwe with particular reference to small- and medium-scale enterprises

The review examined what small and medium agro-processing systems require to effectively  manufacture and market processed products; and analysed agro-processing service provision, and  research and extension linkages in Zimbabwe. The number of agro-processors has increased, creating  employment opportunities, but the prevailing economic environment tend to favour growth of mediumscale enterprises by down-sizing of large-scale processing systems and upgrading of small-scale  processing enterprises. There are well-established skills training programmes in manufacturing,  targeted at rural artisans. However, the agro-processing sector currently faces many challenges  including access to finances, limited research, technical advice, market information, lack of reliable  markets and general institutional decline. Equipment ownership mechanisms have been left to evolve  without adequate technical advice and support. Equipment costs are unaffordable to individuals,  technology access rather than ownership is more favourable. Many large-scale processors are  subcontracting medium-scale processors who meet the required standards, to supply them with  processed products for packing, labelling and marketing. There is hidden agro-processing information  and expertise among technocrats, deliberately kept unpublished for commercial purposes. A review of  this type requires good connectivity to be able to access relevant and up-to-date information.