Zimbabwean farmers are feeling the full impact of rising fuel prices, with many warning that soaring costs could force them to scale down operations or abandon mechanised farming altogether.
Fuel prices have climbed sharply in recent weeks, driven in part by disruptions linked to tensions in the Middle East.
Diesel now costs US$2.11 per litre (about R34), while petrol sits at US$2.23 per litre (around R37.70), placing additional pressure on already strained agricultural operations.
Farmers battle rising production costs
Farmers say the increase in fuel prices has pushed up costs at every stage of production, from irrigation to transport and inputs.
Rixon Nyamakura, a farmer based in Macheke, Mashonaland East, said he now spends significantly more to keep his farm running.
“Production now requires more money at every stage,” he told Farmer’s Weekly.
As the rainy season ends, Nyamakura is preparing to switch to irrigation — a move that will increase his reliance on diesel-powered water pumps.
“I need almost 80 litres of diesel to pump water for my 2 hectares of tomatoes, and I do that twice a week,” he explained.
Nyamakura warned that some farmers may reduce the size of their fields because they can no longer afford machinery costs.
Input prices have also surged.
As reported by Farmers Weekly, Nyamakura spent US$2 600 on 40 000 Trinity tomato seeds alone, while transport costs continue to climb.
“I pay about US$250 to hire a 5-tonne truck to carry 300 crates to the market,” he said.
Transport costs disrupt supply to markets
In Harare, farmers say rising fuel prices are reshaping supply patterns.
Prosper Katsande, who farms in Nyanga, said transport costs have doubled, forcing him to rethink how he gets produce to market.
“I used to pay between US$0.50 and US$1 per pocket of onions, but now it costs US$2,” he said.
That increase pushes his transport bill to around US$400 per trip, excluding bus fares for workers.
To cut costs, Katsande now hires a truck for under US$300, a cheaper but still costly alternative.
To stay afloat, he has raised prices.
“We now sell a 22kg pocket of onions for US$24, up from US$16, just to cover costs and make a small profit,” he said.
Perishable produce at risk for farmers
For many farmers, rising fuel costs are not just cutting profits, they are increasing the risk of losses.
Fresh produce such as tomatoes, cabbages and butternuts must reach markets quickly or spoil.
Farmers in key horticultural regions like Mutoko, Goromonzi, Nyanga and Honde Valley say delays caused by high transport costs are leading to waste.
Goromonzi farmer Ottknow Mupakaviri said his business has taken a severe hit.
“I used to supply 3 000 heads of cabbage daily, but now I’m only selling 300,” he said.
Transport costs have surged, with truck hire rising from US$150 to US$220.
At the same time, fewer customers can afford to travel to markets due to higher fares.
To avoid losses, Mupakaviri has had to adjust prices.
“I now sell five heads of cabbage for US$1 instead of two, just to avoid letting them rot,” he said.
Calls for fuel-smart farming
Agricultural experts are urging farmers to adapt to the rising cost environment by adopting more fuel-efficient practices.
Ivan Craig, sales and marketing director at Agriseeds and chairperson of the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority, said farmers must rethink how they use resources.
“Farmers must use wisdom in their operations and focus on methods that do not lead to loss,” he said.
Craig encouraged better planning, reduced reliance on heavy machinery, and improved staff training to minimise waste.
“Only use tractors when necessary, they consume a lot of fuel and quickly drive up costs,” he warned.
He also urged farmers to embrace traditional methods where possible.
“Using cattle for ploughing is not outdated. It remains one of the most sustainable and cost-effective approaches,” Craig said.
