Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector is the backbone of the nation’s economy, contributing significantly to employment, rural livelihoods, and food security. The sector supports over 60% of the population, with smallholder farmers playing a pivotal role in sustaining local communities. However, Zimbabwe’s agriculture is heavily dependent on rainfall, making it vulnerable to the effects of climate change, especially in regions prone to drought and erratic weather patterns. In response to these challenges, sorghum and millet have emerged as vital crops due to their natural resilience, low water requirements, and ability to thrive in harsh environments.

Sorghum and millet have been cultivated in Zimbabwe for centuries, serving as staple grains for many communities. These crops not only provide sustenance but also contribute to diverse value chains — from household consumption and livestock feed to commercial brewing and processed foods. In recent years, the Zimbabwean government and international research institutions have increased their focus on promoting small grains, recognizing their potential to enhance food security and mitigate the risks associated with climate change.

The global shift towards healthier, climate-smart foods has also placed Zimbabwe in a strategic position to expand its small grain industry. As consumer demand for nutritious, gluten-free grains rises, sorghum and millet present new market opportunities both domestically and internationally. This article explores the state of Zimbabwe’s sorghum and millet industries, highlighting production regions, investment prospects, challenges, and recent developments that shape the future of these resilient crops. Whether you’re a farmer, investor, or policymaker, understanding the dynamics of Zimbabwe’s small grain sector is key to unlocking sustainable agricultural growth in the country.

Sorghum and Millet’s Role: Key staples in Zimbabwe’s diet and agriculture.

Production Regions: Predominantly grown in semi-arid areas prone to drought.

Investment Opportunities: Growing demand and government support make these crops attractive for investors.

Challenges: Issues include limited access to quality seeds and market constraints.

• Recent Developments: Introduction of high-yielding hybrid varieties to boost production.

Sorghum is a vital crop in Zimbabwe, particularly in regions characterized by low and erratic rainfall. The primary sorghum-producing areas include:

• Masvingo Province: This semi-arid region relies heavily on sorghum due to its adaptability to dry conditions. Farmers here have integrated sorghum into their cropping systems to enhance food security.
• Matabeleland North and South Provinces: These provinces experience low rainfall, making them suitable for drought-resistant crops like sorghum. Communities in districts such as Lupane and Gwanda cultivate sorghum as a staple food source.
• Midlands Province: Areas within this province, including Gokwe and Mberengwa, have embraced sorghum farming to mitigate the risks associated with unreliable rainfall patterns.

1. Climate Resilience: Sorghum’s inherent drought tolerance makes it a reliable crop in the face of climate variability, ensuring consistent yields even in challenging weather conditions.
2. Market Demand: There is a growing demand for sorghum in various industries, including food processing and brewing. For example, traditional beverages like opaque beer utilize sorghum as a primary ingredient, creating a steady market for producers.
3. Government Initiatives: The Zimbabwean government promotes the cultivation of small grains, including sorghum, to enhance food security. Programs aimed at increasing small grain production offer incentives and support to farmers and investors.

4. Export Potential: With the global shift towards gluten-free and health-conscious diets, sorghum presents opportunities for export to international markets seeking alternative grains.

• Limited Access to Quality Seeds: Farmers often face difficulties obtaining high-yielding and pest-resistant sorghum seed varieties, which can lead to suboptimal harvests.
• Inadequate Infrastructure: Poor road networks and storage facilities contribute to post-harvest losses, as farmers struggle to transport and store their produce effectively.

• Market Accessibility: Smallholder farmers frequently encounter challenges in accessing lucrative markets, often due to the presence of intermediaries who offer unfavorable terms.

• Seed Distribution Programs: Collaborations between government agencies and research institutions can facilitate the distribution of improved sorghum seeds. For instance, partnerships with organizations like the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) have led to the development of high-yielding sorghum varieties.
• Infrastructure Development: Investing in rural infrastructure, such as building better roads and storage facilities, can significantly reduce post-harvest losses and improve market access for sorghum farmers.

• Market Linkages: Establishing cooperatives and farmer associations can empower smallholder farmers, enabling them to negotiate better prices and access larger markets without relying on exploitative middlemen.

In recent years, there have been notable investments aimed at bolstering sorghum production in Zimbabwe. Collaborative efforts between the government and international organizations have focused on research and development to introduce improved sorghum varieties. These initiatives aim to enhance yields, improve disease resistance, and promote the adoption of sorghum cultivation in arid regions.

Zimbabwe’s sorghum industry has witnessed significant investments aimed at enhancing production, improving food security, and promoting climate resilience. Notable examples include:

1. National Foods’ Contract Farming Initiative: In the 2022-2023 farming season, National Foods allocated US$12 million towards contract farming, managed by its subsidiary, Paperhole Investments (PHI) Commodities. This initiative focuses on cultivating key crops such as maize, soya beans, and sorghum, aiming to boost local production and reduce reliance on imports. 
2. PHI Commodities’ Investment for 2024-2025: Building on previous efforts, PHI Commodities announced a US$13 million investment for the 2024-2025 season. The plan includes dedicating 12,000 hectares to sorghum cultivation, with an expected yield of 24,000 metric tonnes. This strategic move is designed to enhance crop output and contribute to national food self-sufficiency. 
3. Introduction of High-Yield Sorghum Hybrids: Collaborative efforts between the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) and Seed Co Group led to the release of a new white sorghum hybrid in 2023. This variety offers a 25% increase in yield and improved resilience to erratic rainfall, providing farmers with a more reliable and profitable crop option. 

Millet is another crucial small grain crop in Zimbabwe, valued for its nutritional benefits and resilience to harsh climatic conditions. Traditionally, millet has been a staple in many rural communities, providing a reliable food source in areas where other cereals may fail.

Key Millet Producing Regions in Zimbabwe

• Masvingo Province: Similar to sorghum, millet thrives in this province’s semi-arid climate. Farmers in districts like Chivi and Mwenezi cultivate millet to ensure food security.
• Matabeleland North and South Provinces: Districts such as Binga and Beitbridge are known for millet farming, leveraging the crop’s drought-resistant properties to sustain local food supplies.
• Manicaland Province: In areas like Buhera, millet is grown to diversify crops and reduce the risk associated with maize dependency.

Key Reasons to Invest in Zimbabwe’s Millet Business

1. Nutritional Value: Millet is rich in essential nutrients, including proteins, vitamins, and minerals, making it an attractive option for health-conscious consumers and contributing to improved community nutrition.
2. Climate Adaptability: Millet’s ability to withstand high temperatures and low rainfall makes it a dependable crop amidst climate uncertainties, ensuring food production even during droughts.
3. Government Support: Recognizing millet’s potential, the government has implemented programs to boost its production. For example, during the 2023 International Year of Millets, initiatives were launched to increase millet cultivation, resulting in a significant rise in production. 
4. Market Expansion: The rising global demand for gluten-free and health-promoting grains positions Zimbabwe’s millet industry for potential growth in both domestic and international markets.

Challenges in Zimbabwe’s Millet Business

• Labor-Intensive Cultivation: Millet farming often requires significant manual labor, particularly during planting and harvesting, which can be a constraint for farmers with limited resources.
• Processing Difficulties: The small size of millet grains makes processing challenging, and the lack of appropriate milling technology can deter farmers from expanding millet cultivation.
• Market Awareness: Limited consumer awareness about the nutritional benefits of millet can result in lower demand, affecting prices and discouraging farmers from investing in millet production.

Solutions to the Challenges in Zimbabwe’s Millet Business

• Mechanization Support: Introducing affordable and accessible farming equipment can alleviate the labor burden associated with millet cultivation, making it more attractive

Millet production in Zimbabwe has also been growing, with investments focused on helping small farmers produce more food and fight the effects of climate change. Let’s look at some examples:

1. New Pearl Millet Hybrids

In January 2025, Zimbabwe introduced two new pearl millet varieties, called PMH 1 and PMH 2. These hybrids were developed to handle dry conditions, grow faster, and produce higher yields. The goal is to give smallholder farmers in dry areas a better chance of success, even during droughts.

2. Big Increase in Millet Production

The 2022-2023 farming season saw a huge increase in millet production, thanks to government support and education programs for farmers.

• Pearl millet production rose by 61%, from 44,143 tonnes to 71,221 tonnes.
• Finger millet production jumped by 250%, from 5,321 tonnes to 18,610 tonnes.

This growth shows that with the right support, small grains like millet can play a much bigger role in feeding Zimbabwe’s population and strengthening rural economies.

Sorghum and millet are crucial to Zimbabwe’s agricultural landscape, providing food security, nutritional benefits, and economic opportunities. Despite challenges such as climate change, limited infrastructure, and market barriers, these resilient crops have immense potential to uplift rural communities and stabilize food production. With increasing investments, research-backed hybrid varieties, and supportive government policies, Zimbabwe is well-positioned to become a leading producer of sorghum and millet in southern Africa. For investors, development organizations, and farmers alike, the future of small grains in Zimbabwe is promising, offering both sustainability and profitability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why are sorghum and millet important in Zimbabwe?

• These crops are essential for food security, especially in drought-prone regions, as they can thrive in arid conditions where other cereals struggle.

2. What are the main uses of sorghum and millet?

• Both crops are consumed as food, processed into flour for porridge and traditional dishes, used as livestock feed, and even brewed into traditional beverages like sorghum beer.

3. What are the biggest challenges to growing sorghum and millet in Zimbabwe?

• The key challenges include climate variability, lack of access to quality seeds, inadequate storage and transportation infrastructure, and limited market access for smallholder farmers.

4. What support is available for smallholder farmers?

• The Zimbabwean government, in collaboration with international research institutions like ICRISAT, offers seed distribution programs, agronomic training, and policy incentives to promote small grain production.

5. Are there investment opportunities in Zimbabwe’s sorghum and millet sectors?

• Yes, there are significant opportunities across the value chain, including seed production, processing facilities, value-added products, and export markets, especially as global demand for drought-tolerant, nutritious grains rises.