Sesame: A small seed with a massive impact in Zimbabwe

Sesame is emerging as one of Zimbabwe’s most transformative smallholder crops—and at the heart of this change is SesAfrika, a community-driven initiative supporting farmers across multiple districts. Founded in 2024, SesAfrika builds on earlier work in Mwenezi, where growers traditionally produced around 350 kg of sesame per hectare and earned less than US$0.50 per kg. Through improved seed, training, and direct market access, farmer yields have now increased to 500 kg per hectare, while prices have risen to US$0.80 per kg, offering a significant income uplift.

The impact on rural households is measurable and accelerating. In 2023, early aggregation efforts supported 150 growers, benefitting around 750 family members. By 2024, SesAfrika had expanded to include 8,500 growers, directly improving the livelihoods of 42,500 family members across Mwenezi, Chiredzi, Rushinga, Mount Darwin, and Chipinge. Growth projections remain strong: 14,000 growers and 70,000 family members are expected to benefit in 2025.

Sesame is particularly suited to Region 5, where rainfall is low and climate shocks are common. The crop requires no fertiliser, no chemicals, and only 3 kg of seed per hectare. Labour is the largest input cost—an advantage in communities where many men work in South Africa, leaving women to manage agricultural livelihoods at home. Sesame provides a high-value crop that women can realistically cultivate, harvest, and manage, creating more stable household income.

SesAfrika’s investment in infrastructure is also reshaping local economies. A cleaning facility in Rutenga now processes sesame for export to markets including Japan, India, and Turkey. As demand grows, the facility is being expanded, with a large dehulling machine planned for 2026 to support value-added products for the confectionery sector. Sesame oil production and formal organic certification are also in development, opening further market opportunities.

What began as a small community project has rapidly evolved into one of Zimbabwe’s most promising rural development pathways. With every season, more farmers join, more families benefit, and more communities gain access to stable, sustainable income—proof that even the smallest seed can spark substantial transformation.

Sesame is proving that the smallest things can make the biggest difference.