Stronger collaboration among farmers, businesses, government, financial institutions and other stakeholders is critical to unlocking Matabeleland South’s agricultural potential.
The Matabeleland South Agricultural Show Society (MSASS) president, Sheron Dewa, said this at the close of the 68th edition of the Matabeleland South Agricultural Show in Gwanda last week.
Dewa said this year’s event demonstrated the growing importance of partnerships in driving agricultural development.
The show attracted 80 exhibitors, including more than 10 new entrants from government departments and the private sector, and featured cattle breeders Sifela Brahmans and Carry Stewart, alongside small-stock exhibitors and crop farmers from the province’s seven districts.
The exhibitors showcased a diverse range of products, from livestock and crops to agricultural machinery and financial services, reflecting the growing sophistication of the province’s agribusiness sector.
Dewa said MSASS was significantly investing in expanding the showgrounds, with a clear vision of positioning the facility as a world-class exhibition park that can host larger national and regional events.
Dewa explained that farmers require access to markets, finance, technology and reliable inputs, while businesses need productive farmers and consumers to sustain their operations.
The government provides policy direction and infrastructure, financial institutions offer capital, researchers and educational institutions supply knowledge and innovation, and development partners contribute valuable technical support.
“When these different sectors work together, we create opportunities that none of us could unlock alone,’ she said.
According to Dewa, the agricultural show serves as a vital platform for these diverse players to exchange ideas, showcase products, identify markets and establish lasting business partnerships.
She noted that Matabeleland South possesses significant agricultural potential and that, through strengthened collaboration, this potential can be translated into sustainable businesses, employment and improved livelihoods for local communities.
Dewa challenged young people to embrace agriculture wholeheartedly, stating that the sector holds substantial opportunities for innovation, technology adoption and investment.
She also urged the business community to actively explore investment and partnership opportunities within the agricultural value chain.
She stressed that the success of an agricultural show should not be measured solely by activities during the event itself, but by the partnerships, investments and business opportunities that emerge afterwards.
“The true measure of our success will be the relationships that have been established, the business opportunities identified, the knowledge shared and the partnerships that will continue beyond this event,” Dewa said.
The MSASS president appealed for further support to develop the showgrounds, including completing a farmers’ hall and providing dignified accommodation for visiting farmers, with the long-term aim of running the hostel as an income-generating project throughout the year.
“I look forward to seeing partnerships created during this show translating into real investment, increased production, employment, stronger businesses and improved livelihoods in Matabeleland South and beyond,” Dewa said.
