The ManicaPost
Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter
IN A bid to enhance the visibility and competitiveness of local and international cooperatives, Government is developing an online digital marketing platform, Vice President, Dr Constantino Chiwenga has said.
The platform will facilitate equal connection and interaction among cooperatives and enable them to access new markets and opportunities.
Dr Chiwenga, who was represented by Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister, Dr Sithembiso Nyoni at the International Cooperatives Day celebrations in Nyanga last week, highlighted the importance of using online platforms to connect with potential customers.
The day ran under the theme ‘Cooperatives: Partners for accelerated sustainable development’.
VP Chiwenga said online platforms can help cooperatives to market their products, reach new markets and increase their sales.
“The use of online platforms secures clients who primarily want to engage with producers. At the same time, it also raises awareness on who is producing and selling what type of products.
“If an online digital marketing system is put in place, cooperatives in Zimbabwe and those from other countries will connect and interact on the platform.
“Leveraging digital space as a marketing tool can help our cooperatives create brand awareness and product online visibility,” he said.
Dr Chiwenga highlighted the advantages of cooperative marketing for producers, especially in the digital era.
He explained that by joining a cooperative, producers can enjoy the bargaining power and economies of scale of a larger group, while still maintaining their independence and identity.
He added that the digital marketing space offers more opportunities for cooperative members to access wider markets, lower transaction costs and increase their visibility.
“They increase their negotiating power for better prices and access to capital and markets. Cooperative members enjoy the services offered by their cooperatives, like group purchasing, marketing and skills-building to help them innovate.
“Cooperatives assist in diversifying their products and adaptation to changing markets.
“As a result, through a cooperative, producers can improve their productivity, strengthen their position in the value chain, and build more sustainable livelihoods to families, communities and the nation as a whole,” he said.
Dr Chiwenga said Government is currently reviewing the Cooperative Model in Zimbabwe to determine the model’s viability, profitability, productivity, and contribution to socio-economic development in line with Vision 2030.
“Research has been carried out with a view to review and rebrand the Cooperative Model in Zimbabwe to bring it in line with the development trajectory as provided for under Vision 2030 and National Development Strategy (NDS1),” he said.
In 2022, a Government delegation embarked on a study visit to Rwanda.
The major objectives of the study tour was to learn about their policies, as well as the legal and institutional frameworks governing their cooperatives.
Zimbabwe will borrow some of the principles that can be applied locally, said VP Chiwenga.
He added that cooperatives are contributing to Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) by ensuring food security and poverty alleviation within communities.
“This day aims to strengthen and extend partnerships between the international cooperative movement and other actors, including governments at local, national and international levels. Cooperatives are partners in development,” he said.
Dr Chiwenga said the country greatly appreciates cooperatives in the agriculture sector as they have contributed to food security at national level.
“As we are celebrating the International Day of Cooperatives, let me take this opportunity to highlight some of the major achievements by cooperatives in Zimbabwe.
“In Zimbabwe, there are more than 10 000 registered cooperatives. These cooperatives are in different sectors.
“ln the previous year, we had a record of Hurungwe Agricultural Cooperative Union delivering at least 500 000 tonnes of maize to the Grain Marketing Board. Their Agricultural Apex Board assisted members to purchase inputs and market their produce. The concept of collaboration is important,” he said.
