Change projects in Zimbabwe

The Zimbabwe Hub led by Chinhoyi University of technology, in collaboration with University of Namibia, University of Zambia and Manicaland State University, seeks to build capacity among faculty and students in science translation. Its focus is on strengthening the link between education and societal needs, delivering contextually relevant learning, and empowering learners to investigate and solve real-world challenges. The hub includes two change projects that illustrates practical models of science translation and their impacts. The change projects 
focus on:

• Capacity building in edible insect rearing, value-added processing, and entrepreneurial development
• Gender-sensitive village extension training in Tanzania

Capacity building in edible insect rearing, value-added processing, and entrepreneurial development

This project aims to empower marginalised communities in Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe by strengthening sustainable food systems through capacity building in edible insect rearing, value-added processing, and entrepreneurial development. It builds on the cultural significance and widespread consumption of edible insects in the region, seeking to integrate them with traditional grains and vegetables to develop innovative, nutritious food products and generate inclusive business opportunities.

Building upon previous successful initiatives implemented in Zimbabwe between 2018 and 2023 through the AgriFoSe2030 programme, the project applies a Theory of Change (ToC) framework to engage strategic stakeholders, map impact pathways, and foster inclusive planning. Key learnings include the importance of innovation, targeted media engagement, and collaboration with influential actors to drive systemic change.

In this extended phase, the project seeks to expand the diversity and appeal of food products derived from indigenous ingredients, aiming to introduce them to both national and international markets. Through mentorship in food processing, business development, marketing, and sustainable resource management, women and youth will be supported to establish viable enterprises, particularly within urban and tourism markets.

By the end of this phase, the project aims to facilitate cross-country knowledge exchange among scientists and practitioners, promote climate-smart food production practices—including insect farming and dryland crop cultivation—and enhance the preservation and commercialisation of indigenous food resources. Ultimately, the initiative aspires to reduce poverty, build resilient livelihoods, and promote sustainable, heritage-based food enterprises across rural communities in Southern Africa.

Gender-sensitive village extension training in Tanzania

Vocational college tutors at Ministry of Agriculture Training Institutes (MATIs), agricultural extension students (future village-based extension workers), together with key representatives from Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) and from the Tanzanian Ministry of Agriculture, will gain a deeper understanding of gender-related issues and differences, of how these are relevant to agricultural development efforts and will benefit from more gender-sensitive extension training. Ultimately this improved knowledge and ability to teach gender-sensitive strategies for extension will benefit Tanzania’s farmers (especially the female farmers who actually produce a significant proportion of the country’s food in smallholdings). The training interventions with the college tutors, working through their existing curriculum, will foster future cohorts of extensionists who will be better able to tailor their agricultural advice services (time, place, medium, interaction with spouses, demonstrations, active learning etc) to female farmers’ needs.

This project aims to train tutors on how to mainstream gendered perspectives throughout their course curricula and teaching. Empowered tutors who are better able to train their students to adapt their future advisory efforts in ways that bridge gendered skill and power gaps, is crucial for sustainable production and productivity improvements without adding to female labour burdens. This work will ultimately increase the adoption of appropriate agricultural interventions, to the benefit of the country’s agricultural development, thus enhancing food and income security.

Read an interview with hub-leader Robert Musundire here:

Robert Musundire, Zimbabwe

Edible insects for improved food security