High entry costs keep Zambian horticultural sector small

The Zambian horticulture sector has remained small compared to sectors in Zimbabwe and Kenya because not many Zambians have come aboard, Zambia Export Growers Association (ZEGA) chairman, Gilbert Temba, has said.

Mr. Temba said Kenya cultivates over a million hectres of roses compared to Zambia’s 140 hectares. He attributed the lack of growth in the sector to the high expenses involved. He said the high interest rates charged by commercial banks made it impossible for most people to venture into the growing of roses.

Temba also he cited high freight charges as another contributing factor. He said there was need for long-term finance for the sector which would help to boost operations. “We need to see the sector grow and it can only grow if more people came on board, it is true that it is a very difficult sector, but it has huge profits due to the high demand for flowers in Europe. Zambia should become the major exporter of roses because she has abundant land and a favorable climate,” he said.

Times of Zambia