Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
capital to urban centres. The greater the frequency with which monies are
circulated at the rural level, the greater the benefits for local society.
Despite the potential benefits of commercializing indigenous fruits, com-
mercial processing enterprises and markets are still in their infancy. Enterprises in
Malawi and Tanzania are poorly developed, while enterprises in Zimbabwe are
progressing well along the road of commercialization. Success in Zimbabwe is
due to the existence of private entrepreneurs and non-government organizations
promoting the commercialization and export of fruit and tree products.
Feasibility studies conducted for this project indicate that commercial indigenous
fruit processing enterprises are potentially viable. These enterprises are,
however, vulnerable to their operating environment and any small changes
could have a profound effect on profitability.
The key to growing viable indigenous fruit processing enterprises is the
empowerment of potential entrepreneurs (through training and/or fund
endowment), the support of local communities through clear land tenure and
policy support, starting with local markets, focusing on quality products and
building management and entrepreneurial skills, the support of enterprises
through policies facilitating credit and trade, making use of local knowledge
and resources, clearer understanding of consumer behaviour, improving the
marketing of a product in existing or new markets through innovation in
product, logistics and promotion.
References
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