Zvishavane Farmers Reap Big with Traditional Grains
ZVISHAVANE – Communal farmers in Mabasa, Zvishavane District, are optimistic about a successful harvest this season after shifting their focus to traditional grains, aligning with the government’s call for climate-resilient agriculture.
During a traditional grains field day on Monday, farmers emphasized the benefits of moving away from maize farming, citing improved yields and enhanced food security.
“We realized that maize farming often resulted in poor harvests, but since fully embracing traditional grains, hunger is no longer a challenge in our area,” one farmer noted.
Leading the transition is host farmer Moses Verengera, who credits climate-smart agricultural practices for his success. “Pfumvudza has helped me achieve great harvests, and I’m seeing real value in farming. I plan to expand my hectares under cultivation this year,” he stated.
The government continues to encourage farmers to treat agriculture as a business and scale up production, particularly in drier regions.
Runde area Agritex Supervisor Knowledge Mangwiro emphasized the economic impact of traditional grain farming, stating, “Agriculture focused on traditional grains will uplift many from poverty.Smart partnerships and climate-smart practices will contribute to achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals.
“Our goal is to establish industries in rural areas by promoting the production, processing and consumption of traditional grains.”
The Second Republic advocates for crop cultivation based on ecological regions, urging farmers in Natural Regions Four and Five to prioritize traditional grains.
ZBC has reported extensively on this initiative, underscoring its potential to boost rural economies and strengthen food security.
Research institutions such as ICRISAT and government agricultural programs are intensifying efforts to improve traditional grain production.
Drought-resistant crops like finger millet, sorghum and pearl millet require less water and fewer inputs compared to maize, making them well-suited for Zimbabwe’s semi-arid regions.
Initiatives such as the Mwenezi Food and Seed Festival provide farmers with platforms to exchange indigenous seeds and farming knowledge, further enhancing food security.
Organizations such as Fambidzanai Permaculture Centre and Trocaire Zimbabwe actively support traditional grain production, distributing seeds to small-scale farmers to promote sustainability and climate resilience.
With unpredictable weather patterns threatening conventional farming methods, the shift toward traditional grains presents a sustainable solution, offering Zvishavane farmers renewed hope for a stable and productive future.
