A Review of Sesame Production and Marketing in Zimbabwe

This review critically examines the sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) production and marketing landscape in Zimbabwe over a ten-year period (2013)(2014)(2015)(2016)(2017)(2018)(2019)(2020)(2021)(2022)(2023), with a particular focus on smallholder farmer participation, value chain efficiency, and institutional bottlenecks.Using quantitative secondary data, the study analysed trends in yields, area under cultivation, district-level production disparities, and market dynamics.Results reveal persistent underperformance in productivity, with average yields of 700 kg/ha significantly below regional benchmarks.Constraints such as limited access to certified seed, high post-harvest losses averaging 17%, inadequate processing infrastructure, and weak market access dominate the production environment.Geographical analysis showed sesame's concentration in agro-ecological zones IV and V, where favourable climatic conditions are undermined by poor infrastructure and limited extension services.The marketing component is typified by middlemen dominance, price volatility, and informal cross-border trade, particularly with Mozambique and Zambia.Comparative regional analysis with Ethiopia, Uganda, and Nigeria underscores the pivotal role of farmer cooperatives, targeted policy interventions, and public-private partnerships in improving productivity and commercialisation.The study recommends eight strategic actions, including the establishment of a national sesame board, expansion of contract farming, investment in rural processing clusters, digital market systems, and integration into export policy frameworks.The paper concludes that sesame has significant potential to contribute to rural livelihoods and national economic diversification if supported by coordinated institutional reforms and market-oriented strategies.These findings offer critical insights for policymakers, development partners, and agribusiness actors seeking to revitalise Zimbabwe's sesame sector.