Value Addition at Sub-National Level: Challenges and Prospects: A Case of Mutoko District

Abstract

The Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation (Zim Asset) engraved the concept of value addition. Since ZimAsset policies are the current driver of all government programs it is hoped that the lower tiers of government are the best level to embrace and encourage value addition. This paper seeks to explore the prospects and constrains of value addition in Mutoko District. In order to unearth why this important exercise is not taking place. Literature on value addition of agricultural products was reviewed. The Literature made it clear that there are advantages to value addition in agriculture which vary from creation of employment, increasing farm earnings and improving the general life of the farmer. Constrains to agro-processing that include technology, education and training, weak economic infrastructure, poor marketing skills, poor road and rail infrastructure were also highlighted. This research adopted the survey methodological design targeting especially the senior officials in government and in council. A number of farmers were also conveniently sampled to provide information on how they view value addition and its prospects. The research in Mutoko concluded that value addition still eludes the farmer in Mutoko and a lot of external input is required if this Zim Asset dream is to be achieved.