Why The Mbare Seed Scam Works: Farmers Don’t Know The Actual Prices Of Genuine Seed In Zimbabwe

The Real Reason Zimbabwe’s Farmers Buy Fake Seed

A shocking seed scam has been uncovered in Mbare, leaving farmers devastated. The elaborate fraud involves repackaging ordinary grain to look like certified seed. According to a prominent agro-dealer, the scam preys on a critical vulnerability: many Zimbabwean farmers have no idea what genuine seed should actually cost, making them easy targets for criminals offering unrealistically low prices.

The Crux Of The Con: Price Confusion

The conversation ignited on the social media platform X after a government official detailed the scam on 22 November 2025. The very next day, an agro-dealer known as Agronomybae explained why the deception is so effective. She revealed that the high, yet legitimate, cost of seed from official suppliers creates a perception that retailers are overcharging. This price confusion drives farmers towards cheaper, fraudulent alternatives.

Agronomybae stated:

Many farmers don’t know the actual prices of genuine seed. So when we say a 10kg bag costs US$38 (approximately R720), after getting it for US$36.50 (approximately R690) from the seed house — it looks like we’re overcharging, and most walk away. But that price confusion is exactly what leads farmers to fall for fake seed sold at unrealistically low prices.

A Retailer’s Dilemma: Justifying The Cost

The agro-dealer further illuminated the difficult position legitimate sellers face. With very low profit margins, they bear the burden of justifying the high prices to sceptical customers, a situation that can become unpleasant. She shared her personal experience, stating she reduced her seed sales this season because of the immense pressure.

She wrote:

I actually slowed down on selling seed this season coz the markup is too low yet the burden of justifying the high prices of maize seed is on you as a retailer. Unonzwa nekutukwa [You end up being insulted].

This sentiment was echoed in the replies, with one user, Blessing Makoni, simply stating, “Seed is too expensive.” Agronomybae agreed, replying, “Ukaudza customer price anofunga ndiwe ukutaura zvemsoro wako [If you tell a customer the price, they think you are talking nonsense].”

A Call For Transparency And Awareness

In the face of this sophisticated scam, the proposed solution centres on awareness and transparency. Agronomybae argues that if farmers knew the official price ranges set by seed companies, they would be better equipped to identify deals that are too good to be true.

She pleaded:

It would help if seed houses shared their official price ranges so farmers understand what genuine seed really costs. Seed is already expensive for many average Zimbabweans, and knowing the correct price helps everyone. And farmers should remember: if the price is too low, that’s a red flag.

This call was supported by other users. MudiwaK replied,

“Price matching works but isn’t enough! If streets offer the same price but add freebies, they’ll still win. Seed houses MUST step up: More awareness….publish a transparent list of verified stockists etc.”

The original warning from Nick Mangwana on 22 November 2025 detailed the devastating consequences of the scam, describing it as “a form of economic sabotage that destroys livelihoods.”

He explained that farmers purchase what they believe is certified seed, only to face financial ruin, wasted labour, and complete crop failure, directly threatening food security for vulnerable families.