Operating in a volatile economic environment like Zimbabwe, where the business terrain can often be unpredictable and unsuitable for long-term planning, has forced entrepreneur and farmer Mufaro Mbengo to find solutions by thinking outside the box.
Amid all the uncertainty, Mufaro, co-founder of FM Farming, has not only successfully weathered the storm but has also demonstrated that with a solid plan, determination, and a passion for one’s work, success is attainable.
FM Farming, based in the town of Kadoma, Zimbabwe, is a fully diversified agribusiness enterprise specializing in crop production, market gardening, and livestock management.
Strategically located in Zimbabwe’s agricultural heartland, the company prioritizes sustainable practices and innovation to drive productivity across its operations.
From One Generation to the Next
It was clear from a very young age that Mufaro was destined for a career within Zimbabwe’s lucrative farming sector, as his upbringing strongly influenced his path.
His childhood memories are filled with the various farming activities he witnessed firsthand, thanks to his father.
“I was born and raised in Harare. My journey into agriculture began during my childhood when my father acquired a farm in 1996. I remember the excitement and adventure of spending weekends there.
“There is no doubt that my passion for farming grew during this time because the trips to the farm were frequent,” Mufaro recalls.
Trial and Error
Mufaro remembers how his entrepreneurial journey started unsuccessfully and how the mistakes that led to his initial failures became valuable learning experiences, ultimately guiding him to better outcomes.
“In 2008, I launched my first project in fish farming and poultry production. While it started strong, financial challenges led to its collapse.”
Undeterred, Mufaro earned a Bachelor of Business Science (BBS) degree from Monash South Africa and completed an aquaculture course at the University of Zimbabwe. This academic grounding put him in a stronger position to pursue his entrepreneurial farming dreams.
“My education provided practical insights into running a business—lessons I later learned firsthand through trial and error.”
Supplying Fresh Produce
Mufaro understands the power of education in opening doors to new opportunities, as demonstrated by his second attempt at running a business, which achieved better results.
“After graduating, I established FM Farming in 2022, focusing mainly on horticulture, as well as poultry and piggery. Our activities are based on our family farm in Mhondoro, where we supply fresh vegetables to local mines like Zimplats and to other retailers in Harare.”
Determined to grow his business, Mufaro reveals how he developed a kind of shock-absorbing system necessary for an entrepreneur to navigate through the rough terrain.
“Zimbabwe’s business environment presents hurdles: erratic policies, climate change, currency instability, limited capital, and electricity shortages. Climate shifts, for example, forced us to innovate. To adapt to Zimbabwe’s volatile market, we operate with short-term contract workers and prioritize flexibility.
“We installed drip irrigation across three hectares, adopted climate-smart practices like mulching, soil analysis, precision farming, and shifted to foliar fertilizers. Financially, we now price products in United States dollars, enabling us to reinvest profits to fuel expansion.”
Community-Driven Approach
Mufaro believes his success in putting FM Farming on a growth trajectory is largely due to his integration of community members into his operations.
This approach has created foundations that are crucial for sustainability, leaving a legacy that will ensure his company continues to thrive long after he is no longer actively involved in its day-to-day operations.
“Collaborating with over 30 local vendors has been transformative. Daily sales sustain our business while ensuring food access and empowering small vendors. This creates both economic and social ripple effects.
“We have also ventured into piggery and poultry, although the systems for these operations are still being optimized.”
‘Start Small’
Mufaro, who believes capital constraints should not deter aspiring farmers, encourages other entrepreneurs not to let anything stand between them and their dreams.
“Start small, even on a 10m x 10m plot. The important thing is to prioritize patience and stay hands-on. Daily presence on the farm accelerates learning and adaptation. Agriculture’s future excites me: affordable drones and robotics could revolutionize small-scale farming, and I aim to integrate such technologies soon.
“Failure is life’s greatest teacher. It builds resilience and sustainable foundations. When setbacks arise, adapt, evolve, and persist. Success demands grit,” he concludes
