Ambience Reporter
Mornings in Highfield’s Lusaka bustling market, where Zimbabwe’s rich agricultural heritage comes alive. The biggest vegetable and fruits market in Highfield, if not the second biggest in Harare after Mbare, where local farmers proudly display their fresh produce, from vibrant veggies to succulent fruits, alongside traditional dishes that warm the heart and soul.
In this vibrant hub, community and culture blend with the sights, sounds, and aromas of the land. Where urban dwellers come and experience the authentic flavors and warm hospitality of Harare’s second-largest vegetable and traditional food market.
Produce supplied and sold in this market are mainly from local farmers as well as farmers from the country’s agricultural rich provinces like Manicaland where mostly bananas and avocados are produced. Vegetables are mostly taken from places like Mashonaland East’s Murehwa, Chihota and Dema and some from Domboshava.
Produce sold in Lusaka vegetable, fruits and traditional market include but not limited to vegetables, tomatoes, onions, cabbages, sugarcane, apples, avocados, oranges, lemons, carrots, cucumbers, grain, ginger, garlic amongst others.
The market also sells processed foods that include peanut butter, dried traditional relishes, dried matemba, rapoko mealie meal, millet mealie meal, baobab powder and packed greens.
Buying and selling vegetables, traditional foods and fruits from local market comes with various advantages. Buying from local farmers’ markets offers numerous benefits, starting with unparalleled freshness and flavor. Produce sold at these markets is often picked at the peak of ripeness, ensuring that customers receive the best-tasting fruits and veggies possible.
In contrast, commercially grown produce may be picked before ripeness and transported long distances, compromising its flavor and nutritional value. By supporting local farmers, customers can indulge in the rich, vibrant flavors of freshly harvested produce.
Another significant advantage of shopping at local farmers’ markets is the direct support given to the local economy and community. By purchasing from local farmers, customers are putting money directly into the pockets of their neighbors, helping to stimulate local economic growth and preserve agricultural traditions. Additionally, local farmers’ markets often serve as community hubs, fostering social connections and a sense of belonging among residents. By shopping at these markets, customers become an integral part of this vibrant community.
Buying from local farmers’ markets promotes sustainability and environmental stewardship. Local farmers tend to employ more eco-friendly practices, such as organic farming and crop rotation, which reduce the carbon footprint associated with commercial agriculture.
By choosing local produce, customers are supporting environmentally responsible farming methods and reducing their own reliance on industrial agriculture. Furthermore, the shorter transportation distances involved in local produce distribution also minimize greenhouse gas emissions, making local farmers’ markets a more sustainable choice for consumers.
