Wed Sep 18 04:14:37 UTC 2024: ## Baobab Boom: Drought-stricken Zimbabweans find lifeline in “Tree of Life” fruit

**KOTWA, Zimbabwe** – While climate change ravages Zimbabwe’s crops, a growing global demand for baobab fruit is providing a crucial lifeline for rural communities.

The “tree of life,” known for its resilience and ability to thrive even in harsh conditions, has become a source of income for thousands of Zimbabweans. Loveness Bhitoni, a 50-year-old resident of Kotwa, exemplifies this newfound dependence. Faced with decimated crops and dwindling resources, she now spends her days foraging for baobab fruit, selling it to industrial processors and buyers from the city.

The baobab trade, which took root in Zimbabwe in 2018, has become a crucial source of income, particularly in the wake of the devastating drought that has gripped southern Africa. While the fruit once supplemented school fees and clothing, it now provides basic necessities for many.

The global demand for baobab products has surged, fueled by the fruit’s recognized health benefits and versatility. From being a traditional African staple, baobab has become a sought-after superfood, with companies like Coca-Cola and Pepsi incorporating it into their product lines.

The market is estimated to reach $10 billion by 2027, with projected demand soaring 200% between 2025 and 2030. However, while the global market thrives, the harvesters like Bhitoni are struggling to benefit from the boom. They are paid meager wages and are at the mercy of buyers who often exploit their desperation.

The Zimbabwean government, through its export agency Zimtrade, is working to improve the situation by partnering with rural women to establish processing plants. However, experts warn that the lack of negotiating power among the harvesters, many of whom are children, will continue to be a challenge.

Despite the hardships, Bhitoni remains hopeful, clinging to the tradition of leaving some fruit for wildlife, a testament to the enduring relationship between her community and the baobab tree. As the global demand for the “tree of life” continues to grow, the hope is that the benefits will reach those who are closest to the source of this remarkable fruit.

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