Auxilia Mnangagwa Launches Food Scheme, But Benefits Elude Locals – Eduzim News

Tinashe Sambiri– The government’s push to market Zimbabwean food as a driver of jobs and economic growth, spearheaded by First Lady Dr Auxilia Mnangagwa through initiatives like Amai’s Traditional Cook-Out Competition, has come under criticism.

Observers question whether the programme is truly benefiting ordinary citizens or simply creating a high-profile showcase.

Speaking at the Manicaland provincial cook-out at Mutare Teachers College, Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Barbara Rwodzi, represented by permanent secretary Dr Takaruza Munyanyiwa, claimed that traditional cuisine is “a strategic economic asset capable of transforming livelihoods.”

However, critics argue that despite these claims, tangible benefits for local communities remain limited. “The commercialisation of our food heritage is not just about preserving culture, but about owning its economic value,” said Minister Rwodzi, insisting that gastronomy tourism “has the potential to create jobs, empower communities and generate sustainable income.”

Launched in 2019 under the patronage of First Lady Dr Auxilia Mnangagwa, the programme has expanded nationwide, but sceptics say it remains largely symbolic. Attempts to connect small-scale producers to hotels, restaurants, and airlines are slow to show results, with benefits concentrated among a few intermediaries rather than the wider community.

“My ministry is actively engaging hoteliers, restaurants and airlines to establish structured supply chain linkages between communities and the hospitality sector. This is not a dream, it is a policy direction,” Minister Rwodzi said, but local business owners report little progress on the ground.

The government also highlighted international exposure, noting that Zimbabwean cuisine was showcased in France and that a permanent gastronomy restaurant opened in Italy last year.

“This programme has positioned Zimbabwe as a rising global player in gastronomy tourism, while empowering thousands of beneficiaries at the community level,” Minister Rwodzi said.

Critics argue that such claims are overblown and that flashy international events rarely translate into meaningful change for rural communities.
Even tourism statistics touted at the event—1.77 million international arrivals in 2025 generating US$1.3 billion—are met with scepticism, with analysts noting that these figures may not reflect the actual impact of gastronomy tourism on ordinary Zimbabweans’ livelihoods.

While the government continues to champion gastronomy tourism as a national economic saviour, many remain unconvinced that the programme delivers more than publicity and international recognition.

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