Banana Bonanza Blocked by Buyers' Dearth
A report by Trend Economy estimates Malawi imports about 96 percent of its bananas from Tanzania, as evidenced by the steady stream of trucks delivering the fruit from Tanzania to Mzuzu City.
CHITIPA, Malawi- The Chilota Banana Cooperative in Chisansu, Chitipa district is struggling to find markets for its bountiful banana harvests, writes Victor Musongole.
The cooperative, comprising over 100 smallholder farmers, has the capacity to produce more than 40 tons of bananas per week.
But the limited local demand leaves them with a surplus they are unable to sell, according to cooperative chairperson Pinfold Msukwa.
"The banana production has helped us have steady income. We are no longer struggling with food and fees for our children. We see this farming as a game changer," Msukwa said.
"Though we lack markets because we produce more than 40 tons per week while the local demand is very low this side."
After selling 336 bunches at an open market in Chitipa last month, the cooperative netted close to 1 million kwacha (USD $1,300), Msukwa said.
"We fetched almost K1 million - the highest bunch got K13,000. For we can produce more than 60 tons per week, we are planning to seek an Agcom grant so that we can have a warehouse and processing equipment to produce different finished products from the bananas," he added.
Agricultural expert Christopher Mangoni advised the cooperative to focus more on marketing.
"They need to partner with several players in the sector, but they can't lack a market unless they talk about transport and storage challenges taking into account the bad roads," he said.
Mangoni cautioned the farmers against get-rich-quick aspirations.
"It takes time to start reaping benefits from bananas, but with production of different products, farmers should hope for even better markets," he said.
A report by Trend Economy estimates Malawi imports about 96 percent of its bananas from Tanzania, as evidenced by the steady stream of trucks delivering the fruit from Tanzania to Mzuzu City.