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Food supply

Drought-Resistant Sesame Seeds Bring Relief to Smallholders in Zimbabwe

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

In the parched fields of Mwenezi District, Zimbabwe, a quiet revolution is taking place, one sesame seed at a time. Smallholder farmers like Kastina Sibanda are abandoning subsistence crops like maize for drought-tolerant sesame, which is yielding better yields and providing a steady income. The project, funded by the Government of Japan and the World Food Programme, aims to enhance the resilience of smallholder farmers, improve their food security, and boost trade. As the sesame seeds are processed and exported to Japan, the benefits are trickling down to the farmers, who are now earning up to US$900 per metric ton.

Key Takeaways:

  • The project has provided nearly 3,000 households with improved seeds and training, and is set to reach over 14,000 households this year.
  • Sesame is heat and drought-resistant, making it suitable for growing in Zimbabwe, and ensuring a stable supply for Japan.
  • Smallholder farmers are now able to earn an income even during the El Niño drought period, which last year left 5.9 million smallholder farmers food insecure.
  • Farmers are taught to stick to natural pesticides, like aloe vera, to ensure their crops are organic and meet the requirements of international buyers.
  • The project supports fair pricing, with farmers earning up to US$900 per metric ton, well above the meagre offers from middlemen.
  • The sesame seeds are processed and exported to Japan, where they are carefully transformed into oil, meeting the high standards of international buyers.
  • The project is boosting trade and giving smallholder farmers the opportunity to build successful livelihoods, rather than relying on aid.
  • Zimbabwean smallholder farmers can help fill the gap in global sesame imports, which are largely met by African countries.

Statistics:

  • Over 3,000 smallholder farmers received improved seeds and training in 2023.
  • Over 8,000 farmers were reached in three districts in 2024.
  • Plans are in place to reach over 14,000 households in 2025.
  • Sesame farmers are now able to sell something and sustain their livelihoods during periods of drought.
  • Farmers are earning up to US$900 per metric ton, a significant increase from previous years.
  • The project has reduced post-harvest losses by a quarter.
  • Some farmers are growing up to a hectare of sesame, with plans to expand in future seasons.

Sources:

  • United Nations World Food Programme
  • Government of Japan
  • Sustainable Agriculture Technology (SAT)
  • WFP Programme Officer Bezel Garedondo
  • Tetsuya Murakami, Counsellor at the Japan Embassy to Zimbabwe
  • Lloyd Masunda, SAT Deputy Country Director
  • Kana Kawasaki, sesame oil enthusiast

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