Debra Matabvu

IN the 20 years that Tawanda Mujongondi has delivered fresh vegetables from Murehwa to Harare, he has never seen a disruption such as one caused by the coronavirus.

He has seen droughts, plant diseases and runaway inflation, but never has Mbare Musika, the thriving and popular vegetable market, closed its gates to farmers and consumers.

During public holidays like Easter and Independence Day, which went by virtually unnoticed this year, vegetable farmers from surrounding farms camp at the market as individuals, religious groups and corporates swarm the place to buy their produce in preparation for the festivities.

However, this year it was business unusual as the coronavirus disrupted business.

“We have had droughts in Zimbabwe but I have never seen the market empty like it is now,” he said.

“Even during the hyperinflationary period of 2008, we never stopped delivering produce and there were never empty spaces. I never thought a virus would threaten and interrupt my business and livelihood the way the coronavirus has done.”

Since the beginning of the lockdown on March 30, businesses have been closed with a few essential services being exempted.

Initially, Mbare Musika was closed, however, Government designated farmers as essential service providers. Despite lifting of the ban, demand is still depressed as the usual customers are under lockdown.

Produce sold has been mainly limited to tomatoes, cabbages, potatoes, butternuts and a few onions.

This has led some producers to reduce prices to try and attract more customers and maybe beat competition.

For example, a crate of tomatoes which sold for US$3 or the equivalent in local currency was recently trading at just US$1 while a pocket of potatoes which usually fetches US$10 was being sold for as little as US$5.

Producers are contemplating stopping the trips to Mbare until lockdown restrictions are relaxed. But this would mean huge losses.

However, some farmers refuse to bow to the virus. They are taking their produce straight to the customers in residential areas, putting themselves and residents at risk. Still their businesses remain in the red.

“At times we have to up our prices a bit since it will not be wholesale anymore. At times we sell at the normal price but we can see it is business unusual,” Munjongondi said.

“At times we clash with authorities enforcing the lockdown and this also has affected business but we have no choice, we need the money.”

It is not only the loss of customers that people like Munjongondi mourn about, but the produce as well. Farmers have had to throw away much of their produce after going bad.

Munjongondi reckons thousands of dollars have been lost during the past weeks. He is urging Government to intervene financially.

“We have to go back to the land and produce vegetables but as it is, it will be extremely difficult given that we did not reach our target financially and we doubt we will be able to recover our losses,” he added.

“I heard there are financial cushions being given to small businesses, I hope it will be extended to us as well.”

As the pandemic sweeps across the globe and with the cases rising in Zimbabwe everyday, Munjongondi knows it will be a while before everything goes back to normal.

As he packs his crates, with some still full of unsold tomatoes heading back to Murehwa, he yearns for a return to life before the virus. He yearns for life to be like it was 20 years ago, when he began his trade.