In the heart of Zimbabwe’s Bulawayo lies Ingwebu Breweries, a thriving commercial entity owned by the City of Bulawayo. Formerly under council management, Ingwebu underwent commercialisation in 1996, emerging as the second-largest brewing company in the region after Delta Beverages. Central to its success is its Agronomy and Quality Assurance department, overseeing a contract farming scheme with smallholder farmers, particularly for the production of quality red sorghum, a crucial input for its operations.
In December 2022, Ingwebu forged a partnership with MASAP, a move aimed at supporting farmers in Tsholotsho district through contract farming initiatives. MASAP facilitated the collaboration between Ingwebu and the Agricultural Advisory and Rural Development Services (AARDS) Tsholotsho District, allowing for close engagement with extension officers to provide technical support to smallholder farmers.
Despite a delayed start, the partnership between Ingwebu and AARDS kicked off on a promising note, with efforts focused on mobilising farmers for Ingwebu’s red sorghum production. Though initially targeting 200 farmers, Ingwebu engaged 112 due to logistical challenges. However, joint monitoring and support yielded outstanding results in several fields, prompting the decision to hold a field day to showcase successful farming practices.
The field day, hosted at the homestead of Mr. & Mrs. Qhubekani Dube, highlighted exemplary farming techniques and successes. Representatives from various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Women Affairs and local leadership, attended the event alongside lead farmers from neighbouring wards. Mr. M.K Moyo, representing Ingwebu, commended AARDS for their support and encouraged more farmers to join the contract farming scheme in the upcoming season.
As a gesture of commitment and appreciation, Ingwebu sponsored the field day, providing attendees with refreshments of both non-alcoholic and alcoholic products produced by the brewery. The event served not only as a celebration of successful partnerships but also as an opportunity to inspire and motivate more farmers to participate in contract farming, ensuring sustainable agricultural practices and economic empowerment within the community.
About Ingwebu Breweries
Ingwebu Breweries is a commercialised business entity owned by the City of Bulawayo in Zimbabwe. Formerly operated by the council, it underwent commercialisation in 1996 as part of the City of Bulawayo Commercialised Entities. This strategic move aimed to reposition Ingwebu Breweries in the beverages industry, making it the second-largest brewing company in the country after Delta Beverages. Ingwebu Breweries holds a significant presence in the southern region of Zimbabwe.
The brewery operates with an Agronomy and Quality Assurance department, which oversees a contract farming scheme with smallholder farmers. This scheme focuses on the production of quality red sorghum, a key ingredient for the brewery. Ingwebu Breweries annually requires 3000 tonnes of red sorghum, which it directly procures from farmers through contract farming arrangements. This initiative not only ensures a consistent supply of high-quality sorghum but also contributes to the economic empowerment of smallholder farmers in the region.
