Farm production has fallen dramatically in Zimbabwe in recent years, and many farming families are struggling as a result. In response, in October 2009, IRD began work on the USAID-funded Restoring Livelihoods – Strengthening Value Chains (REVALUE) program in Manicaland province in eastern Zimbabwe. Done in partnership with Africa University, Cornell University, I-Train and Evaluate Center (i-TEC), and 10 Zimbabwean private sector partners, the REVALUE program is helping groundnut and bean farmers increase their income.

Using a voucher system, IRD works with REDAN ProFoods, a national agro-dealer company, to revive the once vast network of agro-dealers and increase the access of vulnerable but viable farmers to agricultural inputs such as seeds, fertilizer, and tools. Local-level agro-dealers distribute inputs to farmers when they redeem their vouchers. The targeted farmers have been selected with the participation of local leaders and government AGRITEX extension workers, based on a clear set of criteria.

IRD has mobilized additional community extension workers, trained by Cornell University and Africa University, who provide technical support to farmers, complementing AGRITEX extension workers. Local agro-dealers will learn to create linkages not only with agricultural input companies but also with processing and commercialization companies, which support the program and are interested in buying groundnuts and beans from REVALUE-supported farmers. After the program’s first harvest season, IRD will train emerging farmers’ associations to work directly with buyers and achieve higher prices for their members’ produce.

In Mutare and Buhera districts, the REVALUE program focuses on dry-land groundnuts, while in Chipinge and Chimanimani districts, it focuses on the production of beans at functional irrigation schemes. Over the 18-month life of the program (October 2009 – March 2010), REVALUE will increase the income of over 50,000 people.

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