Catherine and Lovemore Biningu, smallholder farmers from Bermerside Farm in Bindura District, Zimbabwe, once faced an enormous challenge to earn fair value for their crops. Like many in their community, they were at the mercy of middlemen who exploited their need for quick sales, offering low prices that barely covered production costs. Selling their produce became a source of stress due to the broken promises and financial strain. This left the couple (the Biningus) struggling to sustain their livelihoods.

In 2024, their fortunes changed with the introduction of the Scaling Nutrition Resilience in Zimbabwe project, led by HarvestPlus with support from the Happel Foundation. The project aims to build sustainable markets for biofortified foods by linking supply and demand through new technologies and partnering with leaders in agri-tech. Through this initiative, they were introduced to a biofortified bean variety rich in iron and zinc popularly known as Jasmine. The project linked the Biningus and 22 other farmers to Montgomery Canners, a local food processor producing Monty’s Beans, a popular canned baked bean product.

Montgomery Canners, who previously relied on imported beans, saw an opportunity to support local farmers and combat malnutrition by incorporating the iron enriched biofortified beans into their production. “When we learned about a bean variety that could address malnutrition while reducing foreign currency expenditures, we knew it was a perfect fit for Monty’s Beans,” said Phillip Liam, Managing Director of Montgomery Canners. The company entered an off-take agreement with the couple and their peers, offering a buying price 30 percent higher per kilogram than the rate paid by middlemen.

Under the program, the farmers received Jasmine seeds and training on biofortification, nutrition, and good agricultural practices. With technical support from AGRITEX, they achieved impressive yields. The Biningus began by cultivating five hectares of the iron enriched beans, harvesting an average of 2.3 metric tons per hectare. Encouraged by their success, they expanded to seven hectares, even leasing additional land from neighboring farmers to meet growing demand.

This partnership transformed their lives. The guaranteed market eliminated the uncertainty of dealing with middlemen, and the fair pricing significantly boosted their household income. “In the past, middlemen robbed us of our hard work,” said Catherine. “Now, with a reliable market, we are hopeful.” Lovemore added, “Our income is stable, our children’s school fees are paid on time, and our quality of life has greatly improved. We are covered now.”

Beyond market linkages, the project also introduced eProd, a digital supply chain management platform that streamlined communication between farmers and processors. This innovation reduced operational risks for Montgomery Canners while ensuring efficient coordination with smallholder farmers like the Biningus.

Looking to the future, the Biningus are optimistic. They plan to expand their Jasmine bean cultivation to 15 hectares in the 2024/25 season, envisioning a brighter and more secure future. “Jasmine beans are our path to growth and prosperity,” declared Catherine. “We are committed to this journey.”

Through the Scaling Nutrition Resilience in Zimbabwe project, HarvestPlus and its partners have empowered farmers like the Biningus, enabling them to thrive in agriculture, secure fair markets, and achieve sustainable livelihoods. This initiative is not just improving incomes but also tackling hidden hunger, bringing hope and resilience to Zimbabwe’s rural communities.