The 2011 ASHS Annual Conference

The political and economic disruptions that have rocked Zimbabwe in the last 10 years disrupted horticultural production and marketing in the country, and paralyzed the educational and research institutions in the country that previously supported that industry.  With the formation on a “unity government”, and the stabilization of the currency, through the abandonment of the local currency in favor of the multicurrency system, the country is slowly getting on its feet, and agricultural industries are reviving.  In this setting, the exploratory project under the Hort-CRSP is determining the feasibility of establishing an applied research and training project in southern Manicaland province of Zimbabwe.  Initial development work by the international NGO International Relief and Development under a USAID-sponsored program has assisted 321 smallholder farmers in two irrigation schemes to produce paprika for export.  In visits to the sites in Feb. 2011, we identified opportunities for applied research, and ways in which that research could form the basis for staff training for officers at the three local institutions.  The most urgent topics dealt with issues of sustainable production of paprika, including production of seedlings, soil fertility management problems, control of pests and diseases, and postharvest handling.  Marketing of paprika is currently managed by one local exporter, but could become a future concern, especially as growers explore possible alternative crops to provide opportunities for crop rotation.  Engagement of the three local education and research institutions with Cornell and the international NGO in a three-year pilot program will stimulate on-farm research to solve local problems, enhance training and encourage collaboration among the leading research and educational institutions in Zimbabwe.