UNLOCKING THE FULL POTENTIAL OF THE SUNFLOWER VALUE CHAIN IN ZAMBIA AND ZIMBABWE

By PENJANI NZIMA

ACROSS the agricultural landscapes of Zambia andZimbabwe, sunflower is steadily emerging as one of the most promising cashcrops for smallholder farmers.

Once regarded as a secondary crop, sunflower is now attracting increasing attention from farmers, processors, policymakers, and investors due to the rising demand for edible cooking oil, livestock feed, and industrial products.

As both countries seek to reduce imports of edible oils, strengthen rural incomes, and promote agro-industrial development, sunflower presents a significant opportunity.

However, realizing itsfull potential requires understanding the entire sunflower productionchain—from seed selection to final market delivery—while addressing thechallenges that continue to hinder productivity and profitability.

The Rising Importance of Sunflower

Sunflower is a versatile crop that adapts well to varying climatic conditions and performs relatively well in drought-prone areas compared to many other oilseed crops. It has become particularly attractive in Zambia and Zimbabwe because of its growing market demand from cooking oil manufacturers and animal feed processors.

With increasing urban populations and growing demand for vegetable oil products, the market outlook for sunflower remains strong.

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Read for article in the June 2026 Issue https://www.agricoopnews.com/e-publications

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