The “Advancing Food Manufacturing for Women-Owned Agribusinesses Through Technology” program was a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing Zimbabwe’s pressing post-harvest loss challenges. With small-scale farmers making up 70% of the population in communal lands, these losses posed a significant threat to food and nutrition security, particularly for women farmers. Our week-long program, held from February 11 to February 16, 2024, in Chinhoyi, Mashonaland West Province, provided a pivotal platform for equipping women farmers and food entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools necessary to enhance food security and foster economic development in agro-processing.

Black History Month Event: Trading Ties – Building Community

One of the highlights of the program was the Black History Month masterclass, titled “Trading Ties: Building Community.” This transformative session brought together Zimbabwean business leaders and African-American tech experts to explore the intersection of digitalization and entrepreneurship. Participants learned how collaborative efforts and technological advancements can drive economic growth and strengthen ties within the global community.

Value Addition: Transitioning Theory into Practice

Our program also focused on moving beyond theoretical discussions to practical applications. A key moment was the site tour of the Chinhoyi University of Technology Innovation Hub. This hub, recognized as a beacon of innovation and entrepreneurial development, plays a critical role in fostering industrialization in line with Zimbabwe’s national economic goals. Participants had the unique opportunity to witness firsthand how innovation and technology are reshaping the agro-processing sector.

Hands-On Training: Food Processing Techniques

The program culminated in a hands-on training workshop, where participants delved into various agro-processing techniques. They learned practical methods to add value to their agricultural produce, such as drying, canning, and preserving, to extend its shelf life and marketability. This training empowered women farmers to take charge of their production processes, enabling them to reduce waste, increase profits, and contribute to food security.

Impact and Future Goals

Through this initiative, SPLiT empowered women agripreneurs to tackle the challenges of post-harvest loss with innovative solutions. By fostering skills in technology adoption, food processing, and entrepreneurial growth, the program set the stage for long-term economic empowerment and industrialization in Zimbabwe.

As we look to the future, SPLiT remains committed to creating opportunities for women in agriculture to thrive, innovate, and contribute to their communities. Together, we can bridge the gap between technology and agriculture, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth.