Sign in Subscribe
Education

Midlands State University Commences Snap Pea Production to Drive National Economic Growth

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Midlands State University (MSU) has initiated snap pea production at Gwenhoro Farm in Gweru, aligning with the country's Education 5.0 initiative, which emphasizes practical application of knowledge for production and economic growth. The move reflects the national vision of empowering tertiary institutions to lead industrial growth and development. The snap pea cultivation at Gwenhoro Farm is part of the Midlands Peas Cluster, targeting the European export market.

Key Takeaways:

  • MSU's snap pea production is a key component of the national vision to empower tertiary institutions to drive industrial growth and development.
  • The project aligns with the Education 5.0 initiative, which focuses on practical application of knowledge to drive production and economic growth.
  • The Midlands Peas Cluster is steadily positioning itself as a key player in Zimbabwe's horticultural export sector, driven by growing interest from regional and international buyers.
  • The cluster has planted a total of 83 hectares, expecting an output of around 664 tonnes this season.
  • Pea production is a lucrative opportunity for local farmers, with profit margins expected to rise this year due to seasonal disruptions affecting exports from Guatemala.
  • MSU is benefiting from a public-private partnership model, combining academic expertise, industry experience, and government support to drive innovation and development in the agricultural sector.
  • The university is targeting export markets in Europe, including the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, with the aim of supplying the Middle East, specifically Saudi Arabia and Dubai.
  • Linkfield Farm, one of the largest producers in Midlands Province, has dedicated 34 hectares to pea production and anticipates substantial yields this season.
  • The farm aims to deliver approximately 49 to 50 tonnes of peas to Germany, with pea production being a highly profitable horticultural venture.
  • ZimTrade is committed to expanding production capacity through cluster initiatives to broaden the country's export basket.

Statistics:

  • The global snap peas market was valued at US$462 million in 2024, presenting Zimbabwe with a significant opportunity to tap into this lucrative sector.
  • Midlands State University's Gwenhoro Farm has started snap pea production to drive national economic growth.
  • The Midlands Peas Cluster has planted a total of 83 hectares, expecting an output of around 664 tonnes this season.
  • Linkfield Farm has dedicated 34 hectares to pea production and anticipates substantial yields this season.
  • The farm aims to deliver approximately 49 to 50 tonnes of peas to Germany.
  • ZimTrade is working to expand production capacity through cluster initiatives, aiming to broaden Zimbabwe's export basket and create employment.

Sources:

  • Midlands State University
  • Linkfield Farm
  • ZimTrade
  • National Development Strategy 1 (NDS 1)
  • Education 5.0 initiative
  • Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT)

Read more