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By Rose Rusariro/ Samson Tarusenga
Zimbabwe’s macadamia nut value chain has been on steady growth since its inception at the turn of the millennium.
The country, especially the eastern parts such as Chipinge, boasts of favourable climatic conditions and adequate rainfall, which are critical for macadamia production.
Despite facing challenges unpredictable weather conditions and fluctuating global prices, Zimbabwe has shown potential to be powerhouse in macadamia production and expand its footprint on the global market.
In the 2022/23 season, the cultivation area for macadamia nuts in Zimbabwe increased slightly to 10 000 hectares, which translates into 5 000 tonnes of macadamia annually at present fetching the much-needed foreign currency. The average yield per hectare stands at 7.2 tonnes, with room for improvement to match the global average.
While Zimbabwe accounts for only 1.2 percent of the world’s macadamia production, it has generated annual export revenues of US$4.2 million. The global market for macadamia nuts was valued at US$1.53 billion in 2022, with anticipated growth rates that present opportunities for expansion and increased exports.
Local companies such as Ariston and Tanganda have been key players in the sub sector, with a focus on both processed and unprocessed nuts.
One significant area for improvement lies in enhancing the export of unprocessed in-shell macadamias, which currently fetch a lower price compared to processed nuts. Prices on the international market have been on a fall, falling from around US$4 per KG before 2020 to a new low of around US$0.30 per KG.
Besides low market prices, lack of finance, high input costs, climate change and lack of training are some of the challenges facing the macadamia sector.
Crucially, kennel recovery is very variable among the different farms and the proportion of unsound kennels is huge in some farms, which emphasises the need for training to improve on these aspects.
The economic value of macadamia crop is determined by the yield per tree, kernel recovery, nut quality and nut style distribution.
The Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) will lead a delegation of players in the horticultural sector to exhibit at the Macfrut Expo at the Rimini Expo Centre from 8 to 10 May 2024. The expo provides an opportunity for local companies including those in macadamia production to connect with the international market.
Besides offering market linkages, AMA also registers anyone who wants to grow, buy and process macadamia nuts and issues licenses and permits to buyers and processers.
By transitioning towards local processing and beneficiation, Zimbabwe can potentially increase its revenue inflows from the sector. Experts believe that Zimbabwe has the capacity to raise its macadamia nuts production to at least 10 tonnes per hectare by adopting best management practices.
Zimbabweans are encouraged to develop a culture of eating macadamia nuts instead of growing them for exports. Macadamia nuts offer a range of health benefits when consumed as part of a balanced diet. They are rich in fats, which can help lower bad cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart diseases. The nuts are also rich in calcium, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus.
Besides the health benefits the husk are used as mulch or composted for fertilizer and the oil is also used in making soap sunscreens and shampoos, macadamia nut cake (animal feed), cooking oil and peanut butter. This means value addition and beneficiation unlocks more opportunities.
Overall, despite facing some challenges related to climate change and economic factors, Zimbabwe’s macadamia nut industry holds significant promise for growth and contribution to the country’s export earnings.
Rose Ruzariro is AMA field officer for Manicaland and Samson Tarusenga is acting head of Chipinge Coffee Research.
Word from the market is a column produced by the Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) to promote market-driven production. Feedback cchiduku@ama.co.zw or WhatsApp/Call +263781706212.
