Nestlé's Tamuka MuZimbabwe programme, through Nespresso and TechnoServe, aims to revive Zimbabwe's coffee industry by training farmers and purchasing coffee at higher prices. The initiative is part of Nespresso's AAA Sustainable Quality programme, which supports coffee production in regions affected by various challenges. Despite government efforts to boost coffee output, the industry faces obstacles such as rising production costs and insufficient government support. Farmers like Muganyura have benefited from the programme, but further investment in resources and infrastructure is needed for long-term sustainability.

A young Zimbabwean woman named Dzirutsa has successfully established a pig farming business, employing four people and aiming to expand her operations. She has overcome challenges such as water scarcity by drilling a borehole and plans to add value to her products by making bacon, sausages, and polony. Dzirutsa also intends to build a butchery and abattoir to reduce transport costs and dependency on the slaughter market. She encourages aspiring pig farmers to be innovative and not be deterred by limited resources.

Switzerland and the EU have significantly contributed to the development of climate-resilient agriculture in Zimbabwe, particularly in the arid regions of Buhera and Gwanda. The €207 million Team Europe Initiative on Greener and Climate-Smart Agriculture aims to establish sustainable production and help communities overcome climate challenges. The program has already improved the lives of local farmers, such as Jesca Mutero, who now owns 45 goats and a three-room house. The initiative includes crossbreeding local goats with foreign breeds to tap into a growth market, and it aligns with the Zimbabwean government's efforts to promote sustainable agriculture and climate-proof farming practices. The government, with support from development partners, has made strides in food security through climate-smart agriculture.

Egerine Maifa, a farmer in Mutasa district, Zimbabwe, transitioned from sugar bean farming to tilapia fish farming in 2017. Initially successful, her venture faced challenges when the cost of fish feed soared due to economic changes in Zimbabwe, including the separation of US dollar and 'bond' bank balances and the abolishment of foreign currency for local transactions. The price of a 25kg bag of feed rose from US$18 to $350 Zimbabwe dollars (equivalent to US$23). To combat this, Maifa adopted alternative feeding methods using local ingredients like river tamarind leaves and sweet potato, which reduced costs without compromising fish quality. The charity Practical Action has supported local farmers with workshops on alternative feeds and is seeking local entrepreneurs to partner in local feed formulation to help farmers cope with rising feed prices.

Joyce Jenje-Makwenda's documentary, 'History of Women Politicians of Zimbabwe,' highlights the historical and ongoing struggle for women's political participation in Zimbabwe. It features influential figures from Lozikeyi Dhlodlo to Sandra Ndebele Sibindi and aims to empower women for the 2028 elections. The documentary showcases the contributions of women from the 1890s to the present, including those who became politicians through their husbands' involvement in the liberation struggle. The screening in Bulawayo was attended by 15 women who found it educational and inspiring for future political endeavors.

The Zimbabwe Election Support Network (Zesn) observed a local authority by-election in Chinhoyi Municipality ward 2 on December 2, 2023, where Zanu PF won. The by-election was held following the death of the incumbent councillor Patricia Chibaya of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC). The election process was conducted peacefully, with Zesn deploying observers to monitor the polling stations. Campaign activities were noted to be peaceful, with Zanu PF conducting rallies and door-to-door campaigns, while CCC used outdoor posters. The polling day was calm, with polling stations opening on time and following proper procedures. Both Zanu PF and CCC had agents present at the polling stations, ensuring transparency in the election process.

The Warriors face the risk of losing coach Baltemar Brito as his contract with Zifa, which was tied to his contract with Highlanders, expires at the end of December. Zifa must reengage Brito and fitness coach Antonio Torres for new contracts and work permits. Brito has expressed a desire to continue, but delays from Zifa could lead to his departure. Brito, who joined Highlanders last year, has led the Warriors in several matches, including World Cup qualifiers. Zifa's normalisation committee is considering extending their contracts.

The trial of Shadreck Mlauzi, coach of Zimbabwe's women's football team, on charges of indecent assault was postponed to December 12 to allow his new lawyer to prepare. Mlauzi, who denies the charges, was previously cross-examined without legal representation. The complainant, a female coach, alleges Mlauzi tried to kiss her and touched her inappropriately, but she initially feared job loss if she reported the incident.

Local women can ascend to power by understanding their historical fight for emancipation, as highlighted in Joyce Jenje-Makwenda's documentary, 'History of Women Politicians of Zimbabwe.' The documentary, screened in Bulawayo, traces women's political participation from the 1890s to the present, featuring figures like Lozikeyi Dhlodlo and Sandra Ndebele Sibindi. It aims to equip women for future elections and showcases the contributions of past female politicians. Attendees, including political activist Priscilla Tshabalala and Bulawayo councillors, found the documentary inspiring and educational, providing strategies for better representation in the 2028 elections.

Local women can ascend to power by understanding their historical fight for emancipation, as highlighted in Joyce Jenje-Makwenda's documentary, 'History of Women Politicians of Zimbabwe.' The film, screened in Bulawayo, traces women's political participation from the 1890s to the present, featuring figures like Lozikeyi Dhlodlo and Sandra Ndebele Sibindi. It aims to equip women for future elections by showcasing past contributions and strategies. Attendees, including political activist Priscilla Tshabalala and local councillors, found the documentary inspiring and educational, emphasizing the importance of justice and fair representation.

African indigenous markets are playing a crucial role in expanding nature-based food systems by increasing the demand and consumption of indigenous foods, preserving natural ecosystems, and providing economic value to local communities. These markets offer insights into the return on investment in natural resources, track the seasonality of food commodities, and serve as platforms for indigenous knowledge sharing. They also help in redistributing natural resource benefits and directing investment priorities, making them key institutions in protecting and promoting biodiversity and sustainable food systems.

IH Securities warns that the recent tax reforms introduced by Zimbabwe's Treasury could lead to the 'Laffer curve effect,' potentially reducing tax revenue instead of increasing it. The new taxes, part of the ZWL$58.2 trillion 2024 national budget, include a wealth tax, a domestic minimum top-up tax, and various levies and fees. IH Securities highlights that these measures might drive more transactions into the shadow economy, reducing tax compliance and impacting corporate earnings. The Laffer curve theory, cited from Investopedia, suggests that higher tax rates do not always result in increased tax revenue, especially in a weakening economy.

The newly-established Stone and Water Resort in Mvurwi, Mashonaland Central, is quickly becoming a hub for musicians across genres, having hosted both seasoned and emerging artists. This Saturday, the resort will feature a performance by Sungura music legend Nicholas 'Madzibaba' Zakaria, alongside rising star Tryson Pamire. The resort, still under construction, is also promoting Agro Tourism and plans to establish a recording studio to support local talent. Proprietor Vitalis Kereke emphasizes the importance of pairing emerging artists with industry veterans to foster growth and collaboration.

In Zimbabwe's Buhera district, a Swiss-supported initiative is transforming lives by promoting climate-resilient agriculture. Jesca Mutero, a local farmer, has seen significant improvements in her livelihood through a goat-rearing project. The initiative is part of the EU's Zimbabwe Agriculture Growth Programme, which has expanded to a €207 million collaboration with Switzerland. The program aims to establish sustainable agricultural practices and help communities cope with climate challenges. The government of Zimbabwe supports these efforts, focusing on climate-smart agriculture to ensure food security. Despite successes, challenges like poor infrastructure and market access remain.

Mclaine Manyepa, an 11-year-old boy from Zimbabwe, suffers from sickle cell anemia, necessitating frequent and costly blood transfusions. His family's financial burden is significant, with the cost of blood transfusions being prohibitively high in a country where the majority of the population earns less than $100 a month.

A community garden in Sizinda, Bulawayo, supported by Australian philanthropic organizations Sally Foundation’s Global Development Group and Direct Aid Program, helps 180 poor households, including Zamile Ajiti's, grow vegetables for consumption and sale. This initiative has significantly improved the lives of the beneficiaries, enabling them to meet essential needs such as school expenses for their children.

Zimbabwe is facing significant deforestation, with a substantial portion resulting from tobacco curing. To address this, the Forestry Commission of Zimbabwe (FCZ) and the Sustainable Afforestation Association (SAA), supported by tobacco merchants, have initiated reforestation programs. Farmers contribute to a reforestation fund managed by FCZ, while the SAA, established by tobacco buyers, funds tree planting efforts. Since 2014, the SAA has seen an increase in participating merchants and has planted around 20,000 hectares of trees. The FCZ reports that 330,000 hectares of forest are lost annually, with tobacco curing by smallholder farmers being a major contributor due to their reliance on wood instead of coal.

The article by Daisy Jeremani discusses a new development in Zimbabwe's railway sector, where Russia's United Wagon Company has agreed to supply 100 wagons to the National Railways of Zimbabwe. This deal is seen as a beacon of hope for investment in the country's railway infrastructure. However, the article also mentions a setback as a proposed US$1 billion recapitalisation programme for the National Railways of Zimbabwe collapsed in October, leading to further delays in essential enhancements to the railway system.

Susan Moyo, a 24-year-old from Zimbabwe who was born with HIV, has defied early life expectancy predictions and now faces the challenge of finding love while being transparent about her HIV status. She highlights the emotional difficulties of disclosing her status in intimate relationships, particularly the pain of partners staying out of pity or becoming distant.

In the arid region of Mutiusinazita, Zimbabwe, climate-resilient agriculture initiatives supported by Switzerland and the European Union have significantly improved the livelihoods of local farmers. Jesca Mutero, a member of the Mutiusinazita Buhera Livestock Association, has seen her life transformed through the program, which promotes sustainable livestock farming. The European Union and Switzerland have expanded their cooperation with Zimbabwe, investing millions to support sustainable agriculture and renewable energy projects. The Zimbabwean government, led by Minister Anxious Masuka, aligns with these efforts, focusing on climate-smart agriculture to enhance food security and adapt to climate change. Despite successes, challenges such as poor infrastructure and the need for local slaughterhouses remain.

Shasha Tobacco, a Zimbabwean tobacco leaf merchant, is optimistic about the government's financing localization plan, which aims to provide local funding for tobacco cultivation. Augusta Ajento, the company's finance and administration executive, believes this initiative will not only generate employment but also support related industries such as packaging, fertilizer manufacturing, banking, and insurance. Ajento does not see the plan as a threat to contract farming but rather as a means to improve efficiency and reduce overpricing. He expects that the availability of local funds at lower costs will decrease the interest burden on farmers. Shasha Tobacco, which contracts 4,800 growers annually, plans to retain them by maintaining professional relationships and offering fair deals. Ajento also emphasizes the need for increased technical support and training for farmers to enhance productivity and leaf quality.

The article discusses the growing trend among Zimbabwean farmers to rear indigenous poultry, known as 'road runners', due to the high cost of feed and management requirements for broilers, and the increasing demand for healthier, traditional food options. Jane Murenje, a farmer from Bulawayo, has successfully increased her earnings by selling road runner eggs and hatching chicks. Tafanana Chiwashira, another Bulawayo farmer, turned to indigenous chickens for health reasons and subsequently developed a profitable business selling chickens, chicks, and eggs. The Zimbabwe Free Range Poultry Association (ZFRPA), with a membership of around 1,200, supports farmers in sustainable free-range poultry production and marketing, empowering women, children, the elderly, and youths. The article highlights the benefits of indigenous poultry farming, including the use of natural foods and ethno-veterinary medicines based on indigenous knowledge systems.

The Zimbabwe Agricultural Growth Programme is focusing on farmers in Mashonaland West and Mashonaland East provinces, attracting nearly 1000 producers, with women making up 37 percent of the total. This initiative aims to strengthen the pork industry by promoting female entrepreneurs.