Due to the lack of a market, pineapple growers in Mwinilunga, Zambia, are turning to maize growing, meaning the district risks losing its status as Zambia's main pineapple-producer. Market challenges mean farmers have been avoiding the fruit in recent years.
"Most farmers in the area have stopped growing pineapples due to market challenges. Like in my case, I used to grow more than two hectares of the fruit when the market was available but I have downsized to two acres," Kelvin Sacheng'a of Kanyikezhi said.
Albert Kasongo of the same area appealed to investors to consider setting up a pineapple factory in Mwinilunga.
"We need a factory in the area which can provide a ready market for pineapples. The fruit is grown anywhere here but lack of proper market for it is leading to most of the growers to abandon the growing of pineapples," Mr Kasongo said.
