Research Article
J Mutambara, A P Zvinavashe &
Abstract
This study maps the wheat value chain, identifies performance-influencing factors at various stages, and assesses emerging production and consumption patterns in Zimbabwe. Secondary data sources, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions were used in data collection. Data were analyzed by value chain mapping, gross margin budgets and descriptive statistics scoring. Results showed that domestic wheat production was low (>20%) of national demand of 450 000 tonnes annually. Zimbabwe has a comparative disadvantage in the production of wheat. The wheat processing industry was very concentrated with a few companies processing wheat into flour and other wheat by products such as bran used in the animal feed industry. The industry was characterized by high production costs and low margins, less than 10% of operating costs across the value chain from the farmer to the processor. Efforts to improve the business environment for wheat production and proceeding are recommended for sustained wheat production in Zimbabwe