Sustainable development through processing natural products

Original project description

The women-led initiative Marula Zimbabwe trains local women to produce, process, quality control and market marula tree products. The fruit, bark, juice, skin and leaves of this native plant are used to produce a variety of products, such as jam, wine, dried kernels, oil, nuts, herbal powder and soap.

The Development and Finance Institute for Rural Women Trust (DFIRWT) encourages women in the Chivi District in Southern Zimbabwe, grouped as Marula Zimbabwe, to generate additional household income by processing traditional marula tree products. As well as receiving advice on production and processing, the female entrepreneurs are trained in finance, business
management, savings and credit.
Marula Zimbabwe, in collaboration with the Zvishavane Water Project (ZWP), has successfully acquired two hydraulic oil-pressing machines and ensures consistent product quality through sampling, etc. Such quality monitoring is essential in order to achieve a high quality of the products, especially the oils, and thus to market marula products effectively. The initiative also works with PhytotradeAfrica, a regional trade association, which carries out product research and development as well as providing links to markets for the initiative’s finished products. International marketing of marula products is also planned.

Social impact: Marula Zimbabwe enables women to generate additional household income. It engages in long-term capacity building by providing women with training in all aspects of business management and the production process. More than 200 people have so far received training, approximately 80 % of them women.

Environmental impact: DFIRWT aims to protect the native marula tree and prevent over-harvesting by promoting sustainable harvesting methods. The community has planted some 200 marula trees so far. Ending the use of pesticides and fertilisers will promote organic production.

Economic impact: Marula Zimbabwe generates revenue that contributes to overall community development and supports other sectors of the local economy. Nonmembers can use the oil-processing machines for a fee, which facilitates local production and businesses.

Current project updates

Last updated: 7 March 2012

This has been a busy year for the business women and partners. The year started with plans for the national workshop which was held in Harare at the beginning of March. The technical advisor helped us develop our business plan, widen our thinking and dream big.

Targets Achieved:
• Partnerships and linkages have been strengthened.
• Capacity building has covered such aspects as resource mobilization, developing linkages and organization growth.
• The consultation process on setting up a private and limited company was concluded successfully and the registration process has been stepped up.
• The production base has been strengthened and currently operating a successful enterprise. The marula harvesting season has started and it promises to be a very good season. Jam making and wine making are already in progress.
• Furthermore, three business women and the facilitator visited Swazi Secrets in Swaziland in November 2012. The self confidence of the women to run Marula has increased and the Zimbabwe partnership with the research department of the University of Swaziland was strengthened.

Growth plans description

2013:
Marula Zimbabwe is riding on a wave of growth that will take it to great heights in 2013. The confidence built in the women and partners has achieved a lot more than could have been achieved through financial support only.

• Future plans for Marula Zimbabwe include completing any outstanding activities that include the look and learn visit to Swazi Secrets,
• Completing the registration of Marula Zimbabwe as a private and limited company
• And financing the business plan.
• The business women would also like to expand and venture into other natural products after they have mastered the marula business.

2012:
• Provide training for around 100 women and plant an additional 800 trees.
• Introduce organic farming methods in surrounding communities that are not members of Marula Zimbabwe.
• Apply for organic and fair trade certification.
• Improve the production process for soap making and body oil.
• Enhance the business area of flavourings for cereals, biscuits and sweets.
• Mentor approximately 45 entrepreneurs.
• Introduce a credit component into savings and credit schemes.

Current Needs

• Financial support to increase the capital base of the entrepreneurs and scale up the business.
• Support for mentoring activities.
• Capacity building in the area of marketing.
• Product development for body oils, cereals, sweets, etc.
• Purchase of a marula cracking machine.

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