A group of women in Hwange is turning the baobab tree into a source of income, empowerment and environmental conservation with support from the Hwange Rural District Council.
At the heart of this initiative is Mushingo, a women-led project focused on value addition of baobab products.
The group, made up of 15 women and one male caretaker has been operating for the past five years, transforming raw baobab fruit into a wide range of marketable goods while promoting sustainable harvesting practices.
Hwange Rural District Council Environment, Natural Resources officer, Nxolelani Ncube said the project reflects how communities can benefit from their natural resources without degrading the environment.
“What we are promoting here is sustainable harvesting. Communities are not taking everything from the environment. They are leaving some for regeneration and for wildlife. That balance is very important,” said Ncube in an interview with CITE.
He explained that when harvesting, the women follow both international and local established environmental protocols that ensure biodiversity is preserved while also creating economic opportunities.
“They are adhering to standards that speak to access and benefit sharing. This means the community benefits but at the same time, the ecosystem is protected,” said Ncube.
With support from the local authority and partners, the group was provided with a workspace, equipment and transport at no cost, an intervention that has allowed them to focus on production and growth.
At their processing centre, baobab fruit is carefully handled and broken down into various products. The pulp is turned into a nutritious powder used in porridge, drinks and juices which are popular in the hot Hwange climate.
“We are seeing a variety of products coming out of baobab. The powder is widely used in foods and beverages, especially in this region where refreshing drinks are in high demand,” Ncube noted.
The seeds are also put to use, producing oil that is valued for its skin benefits.
“The oil extracted from the seeds is 100 percent organic and is very good for skin care,” he said.
In addition, the seeds are processed into a non-caffeinated coffee alternative,while the remaining residue is used as high-protein livestock feed—an important resource in a region where grazing can be limited.
Beyond baobab, the initiative is also tapping into other indigenous trees with medicinal properties, although Ncube acknowledged that more work is needed in branding and packaging to fully commercialise these products.
To safeguard natural resources, the council has already introduced by-laws that regulate harvesting and encourage communities to plant and conserve trees.
“We have put measures in place to make sure that communities do not overexploit these resources. We are also encouraging reforestation because these trees are critical for both livelihoods and environmental sustainability,” he said.
For the women involved, the project has brought significant changes to their lives.
Mushingo Director of Marketing and Secretary, Constance Liteta said the initiative has empowered members economically and socially since its inception in 2016.
“When we started, we were just trying to do something as women but with the support from the rural district council, we have managed to grow. They provided us with a place, equipment and even transport and we are not paying anything,” she said.
Liteta said the project has been particularly life-changing for her as a widow.
“I have managed to send my children to school, build my own house and take care of my family through this project. It has given me independence,” she said.
She added that the initiative also benefits the wider community as locals supply the baobab fruit.
“We buy the fruits from villagers at about five dollars per bucket, so they are also earning an income. We even work with schoolchildren who collect baobab fruits and use the money to pay school fees and buy books,” said Liteta.
However, the group continues to face challenges, including unreliable water and electricity supply which affect production.
“Power cuts and water shortages are our biggest challenges. Sometimes it becomes difficult to maintain production,” she said.
Liteta also noted that baobab fruit availability can fluctuate depending on seasonal conditions.
“Last year, there were very few fruits but this year the harvest has improved,” she said.
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