Barriers and Enablers in Adopting Circular Business Models in Horticulture SMEs: Insights from Zimbabwe.

Abstract

The Circular Economy (CE) offers solution to sustainability challenges, yet its application in agricultural SMEs is underexplored. This qualitative research aimed to explore the enablers and barriers that affect the implementation of CE approaches by horticultural producers in Mashonaland East Province, Zimbabwe. Thematic analysis was employed to identify the patterns and insights. The study revealed 25 participants through semi-structured interviews, which comprise 10 farm owners, eight workers, and seven key stakeholders, that some contextual barriers to CE adoption, like financial constraints, lack of access to technology, and weak institutional support. Market incentives, stakeholder collaboration, and the utilisation of traditional farming practices aligned with CE principles were identified as key enablers. The research has revealed the necessity of customised interventions in the form of capacity-development programs and policy recommendations targeting the need to assist horticulture farmers in transitioning towards circular operations. This study enriches CE literature by contextualising horticultural SMEs in Zimbabwe and providing actionable recommendations for sustainable farming practices. It therefore calls for addressing systemic barriers to the application of knowledge and technological innovations towards more sustainable and circular horticulture.