She is also the chairperson of the 13 member Matika Farmers’ Co-operative Society, one of 15 co-operatives working with USAID since in 2012. The project is aimed at improving market access and increasing household income for small-scale farmers – most of whom are women.
For Bingandade, who grows groundnuts, and fellow members who grow maize, sunflower and cow peas among other crops, the main constraint was their lack of access to markets.
In order to sell their produce, Bingandade and her fellow farmers previously had to transport their harvests over 30 km to Mutare city. Transport operators charged them exorbitant fees and they suffered losses due to theft.
Frustrated
When they eventually reached the markets, Bingandade and members of the group found themselves unqualified to negotiate for the best prices. Frustrated and demoralised they considered giving up farming altogether.
Then, in 2013 they heard about PROFIT+ who advised them to join together and sell their produce in bulk.
“This allowed them to gain access to bigger markets and exert leverage to negotiate higher prices. The project also facilitated market links to big buyers. We also gave the members of the group management training,” says project co-ordinator Danai Usanga.
“This is a successful project. We were very interested in the commodity-bulking initiative, especially since it facilitated sales. Besides being more convenient, it saved on transport costs, allowed for crop protection and afforded us the ability to negotiate prices. Through these market links and price negotiations some members now earn more than they have ever earned before,” says an elated Bingandade.
Saving money
“I want to thank PROFIT+ because this is the first time that I have ever sold my cow peas on my doorstep without incurring transport costs or loading charges,” says another beneficiary, Lucia Chibage.
With the money Bingandade earned, she was able to buy roofing sheets for her home and pay for school and examination fees for her children. She has also managed to pay off her debt and has started saving money.
“Before joining this project, I wasn't able to buy fertiliser, but now I am able to buy bags of fertilisers and chemicals for the next planting season, as well as household necessities,” she added.
“Things have changed for the better in my household because I now access markets near my home,” said Chibage.
From almost giving up on farming, these women now aim to produce even more in the coming seasons. They are now confident in their ability to access markets through co-operative commodity bulking.
Post published in: Analysis