A thriving business exporting roses to Europe is in danger of collapse due to the global downturn. On the outskirts of Lusaka, Angelique and Watze Elsinga have been growing roses for export for the last 14 years.
Watze and Angelique Elsinga grow roses for export
But now the speed of the global downturn is forcing them to give up the business, threatening the livelihoods of hundreds of workers and their dependents. The sudden collapse of the prices paid for roses in Europe, due to diminishing demand and oversupply, has made their business uneconomic. And they are being forced to sell their farm as they can no longer keep up their loan payments to Barclays Bank, which is demanding immediate repayment.