Horticultural Production System in Mutasa District of Manicaland Zimbabwe

Team: Clemence Marevesa, Paul Gova, Dennis Makiwa Brighton Hadzirabwi, Caroline Musungo, Betty Muchesa, Beauty Zendera, Grace Manyuchi, Liberty Murwira

Development Objectives To improve on horticultural production and reach yield potentials by 2025. To improve post handling processes to minimise losses and maximise income. To increase efficient marketing systems in Mutasa District by 2025.

Mutasa District

Background Mutasa district lies predominantly in Natural Region 1 and Natural Region 2 where rainfall falls between 800-1200mm annually. It has heavy textured clay soils and the average land holding size is between 0.5 – 2ha. Crops under production include leaf vegetables, tomatoes, bananas, coco yams, avocado pears and tea plantations.

Horticultural Crops grown in Mutasa

Assessment tool used The Climate Proofing tool

Evaluation of the current system. In Mutasa the system of interest is mainly Horticulture Production. The key actors in the system include; Horticulture farmers, Extension agents, Buyers, Transporters, Seed houses, development organizations and other stakeholders. Further elements of the system are that farmers are open to new technologies but are also prone to side marketing.

Assessed Future Climatic Hazards included Flooding Erratic rainfall High temperatures frost

Potential Impacts Erosion Sun scorch Decreased yield Loss of quality Loss of food security Loss of income security Water logging and leaching of soils

Adaptation Option 1 Value Addition (19/20) + It increases income. It also increases the shelf life of most horticultural products. There is an improvement of nutrition and food security. Mitigation potential - Minimum post harvest losses thereby minimum GHG emissions.

Adaption Option 2 Good Agricultural Practices (19/20) + It improves yield, soil fertility, crop stand, controls pests and diseases. Encourages good drainage and reduces erosion. Promotes a healthy soil for good plant growth. Mitigation potential – through having a lot of vegetation that helps in carbon sequestration.

Adaptation option 3 Drip Irrigation(16/20)+ Improves yield and quality of products Efficient use of available water resource Maintain the soil structure and controls erosion Mitigation potential-it sustains green plants all year round.

Adaptation option 4 Diversified Farming (16/20) 0 Opens up other sources of income thereby reducing risk. Increases production, income and improves nutrition. Decreases costs through use of manure from livestock. Mitigation potential – Does not affect or contribute directly to GHG emissions.

Adaptation option 5 Improved Storage (15/20) - Improves shelf life of produce and maintains quality. Reduces post harvest losses. Ensures higher income. Mitigation potential – Does not affect or contribute directly to GHG emissions.

Conclusion Climate Smart Agriculture should be the thrust to sustain and improve horticulture production in Mutasa District. There should be a multi-sectoral approach to achieve set objectives.