Strengthening cooperative governance: Zimbabwe’s Rusitu Valley leads the way

Strengthening cooperative governance: Zimbabwe’s Rusitu Valley leads the way

The Rusitu Valley Fruit Growers and Marketing Trust (RVFGMT), a cooperative of 1,400 growers in Chimanimani, Zimbabwe, is undergoing a transformative journey to strengthen its governance and sustainability. With targeted support from the Fit For Market Plus (FFM+) programme, RVFGMT is addressing critical governance challenges to better serve its members and position itself as a beacon of sustainable development in the region.

RVFGMT aggregates and markets the produce of its members, who grow bananas, pineapples, avocados and citrus fruits. Despite its importance to the local agricultural economy, the cooperative has struggled with outdated governance frameworks, limited financial policies and weak risk management systems. These challenges have hampered its effectiveness and member engagement.

As part of the FFM+, RVFGMT undertook a comprehensive governance assessment, identifying gaps and setting out a clear path forward. A strategic action plan was developed to address these issues, supported by targeted workshops and coaching for board members, staff and farmer representatives. These sessions covered best practices in governance, resource mobilisation and risk management, equipping the cooperative’s leaders with the tools to modernise operations and build member confidence.

The cooperative is already reaping the benefits of this support. With a stronger governance framework in place, RVFGMT has a clear roadmap to improve transparency and efficiency. Updates to its bylaws and financial policies are underway, as are plans to invest in infrastructure such as cold storage facilities to reduce post-harvest losses and increase revenue.

In addition, RVFGMT is exploring market linkages and certifications, including GlobalGAP, to create new opportunities and increase its competitiveness. By embracing these changes, the cooperative aims to improve the livelihoods of its members and drive sustainable growth in the region.

RVFGMT’s transformation highlights the importance of sound governance in achieving long-term sustainability. It demonstrates how strategic reforms, supported by capacity building and technical assistance, can enable rural cooperatives to thrive and become engines of economic and social development. As the RVFGMT evolves, it stands as a model of resilience and success, underscoring the potential of agriculture-led development to uplift communities and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

With a renewed focus on governance and sustainability, the Rusitu Valley Fruit Growers and Marketing Trust is not just improving its operations – it is laying the foundations for a stronger, more equitable future for its members and the community it serves.

This activity is supported by the Fit For Market Plus (FFM+) programme, implemented by COLEAD within the Framework of Development Cooperation between the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and the European Union. This publication receives financial support from the European Union and the OACPS. The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of COLEAD and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union or the OACPS.