Advancing Sustainability Strategies of Non‑Timber Forest Product Value Chains: A Climate‑Resilience Framework for Uapaca kirkiana in Zimbabwe

Abstract

Non‑Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) support rural livelihood trajectories and sustainable development. However, their value chains are beset by systemic challenges. These systematic challenges include climate vulnerability, tenure insecurity and institutional fragmentation. The study develops a climate‑resilience framework for Uapaca kirkiana (wild loquat) value chains in Mashonaland East Province, Zimbabwe. It draws on promising practices from Rooibos (South Africa), shea butter (Ghana) and baobab (Tanzania). A sequential mixed‑methods design was used. Qualitative comparative case analysis informed a survey of 453 stakeholders. Participants recruited through quota sampling during public events, included 208 harvesters, 110 processors/traders, 115 consumers and 20 key informants. Quantitative data were analysed using ANOVA and t‑tests. Qualitative data underwent reflexive thematic analysis. Strong consensus emerged on five priorities: secure land tenure (mean 4.75), research‑led innovation (4.76), infrastructural investment (4.70), benefit‑sharing (4.32) and inclusive governance. Significant differences appeared between stakeholder groups for monitoring, evaluation and learning (p<0.001), land rights and access by gender (p=0.001). Qualitative evidence revealed persistent barriers incorporating tenure insecurity, post‑harvest losses and exclusion of women and youth. An empirically validated, Climate‑Resilience Framework for Uapaca kirkiana is aligned to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs:1-no poverty, 5-gender equality, 8- decent work and economic growth and 13-climate action). The proposed framework integrates biophysical, economic, socio‑institutional and adaptive governance pillars, that synchronise climate adaptation, livelihoods and forest conservation.