Bolton Kudzai Kakava: Empowering Zimbabwe’s Farmers and Shaping the Future of Agriculture
Bolton Kudzai Kakava is an accomplished agricultural consultant whose journey exemplifies resilience and transformation. Born at Glen View 1 Maternity Clinic in Harare, his life story is one of perseverance and adaptability. Moving frequently during his early years, Kakava began preschool at Shirley Hornby in Redcliff, an iron and steel town near Kwekwe. His primary education spanned Redcliff Primary, Glen View 3 Primary in Harare, and finally Tamuka Primary School in Chitungwiza’s Unit N, which he has called home for over 14 years.
Reflecting on his childhood, Kakava credits these transitions for instilling resilience and adaptability—traits that have been instrumental to his success. His secondary education at Churchill Boys High School laid the academic foundation for a journey fueled by his passion for agriculture.
Kakava’s higher education began with a Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Agriculture (Soil Science) from the University of Zimbabwe (2014–2017). His thirst for knowledge led him to pursue a Master of Science in Crop Science (Agronomy) at the same institution in 2018. Equipped with advanced knowledge, Kakava embarked on a career dedicated to elevating Zimbabwe’s agricultural standards.
As an expert in agricultural regulations, food safety, and sustainability standards, Kakava’s knowledge spans crop production, food hygiene, and irrigation management. He is proficient in international standards such as GLOBALG.A.P., BRCGS, and Rainforest Alliance, which has allowed him to bridge local farmers with global markets.
Kakava’s interest in agricultural consultancy was sparked during a visit to Selby Enterprises packhouse. Witnessing the intricacies of compliance systems firsthand inspired him to assist farmers in meeting global standards. He now works with Zimbabwean farmers to navigate regulatory requirements and voluntary standards like the USDA National Organic Program. Beyond compliance, he offers advisory services on crop production, plant nutrition, and integrated pest management.
Despite challenges like high certification costs, knowledge gaps, and logistical hurdles due to Zimbabwe’s landlocked position, Kakava remains committed to transforming the sector. He is particularly critical of exploitative middlemen but focuses on solutions like capacity building and training.
“Training is not just about compliance; it’s about empowering farmers to produce high-quality, competitive products,” Kakava says. He provides hands-on support to farmers, guiding them through documentation, quality control, and linking them to market stakeholders. His scientific approach integrates plant nutrition and soil biology to boost yields and reduce reliance on synthetic pesticides.
Through programs like COLEAD’s Fit For Market Plus, Kakava has helped smallholder farmers and horticultural MSMEs achieve GLOBALG.A.P. certification. Collaborations with organizations such as DNV Business Assurance Africa and ZimTrade have further broadened his impact, enabling smallholders in Beitbridge’s Shashe Irrigation Scheme and cooperatives like Mushamukuru Takashinga Agricultural Limited Society to secure loans and technical assistance.
Kakava envisions a thriving agricultural future for Zimbabwe, advocating for collaboration among government entities, the private sector, farmer associations, and NGOs. “The future is bright, but it requires all stakeholders to come together,” he emphasizes. His goal is to empower marginalized smallholder farmers to access international markets and unlock their potential.
Bolton Kudzai Kakava’s dedication and expertise are reshaping Zimbabwe’s agricultural landscape. Through his work, he is not only empowering farmers but also contributing to the country’s broader economic development.
