The show, an annual event held at the exhibition park in Harare, started yesterday and is set to end on August 31.
ZAS Public Relations Manager, Heather Madombwe, confirmed the poor attendance and said this has been the trend for the past decade.
“We had the same number that we had on the first day last year.This has been the trend for the past decade where we see very few people coming to the show on the first day, but the numbers gradually increase as the show progresses,” said Madombwe.
Last year, around 2, 000 people visited the country’s biggest annual agricultural event on the first day.
Solomon Zawe, an exhibitor showcasing his cattle, said most people prefer coming to the show on the second day because exhibitors usually spend the first day finalising the outlook of their stands.
“Some of the exhibitors have not yet finished bringing their products to the show but by tomorrow, everyone would be settled and the attendance normally increases,” he said.
Vendors also complained of low business and said they were optimistic of increased turn out and brisk business on the second day on-wards.
“It was quiet throughout the day and I have not even sold a third of my usual ice- cream allocation,” said a Lyons Maid vendor. She said compared to last year, this year’s turnout had declined.
Several parents who spoke to The Zimbabwean said they visited the show on the first day because it was the least busy.
Doreen Mwatunge from Dzivarasekwa said: “I brought my children on the first day because I feared for their safety. Remember that children stray at the show and I came today because I knew that very few people would come on the first day. My children are safe when there are a few people attending the show,” she said.
Show goers were treated to acts from drum majorettes, the Zimbabwe Republic Police, various displays and music.
Post published in: Agriculture
I admire the show organisers for being so positive about numbers here and there. The fact still remains, however, that the few dollars people have are no longer used for luxuries like attending the so called agricultural show. Why use a lame excuse like ‘some of the exhibitors are still arranging their stands’ – this shows poor planning and organisation. The fact still remains that it will never be the same again especially with a government that interferes with everything, thus making people feel so insecure. Stay at home!