marble nkomo
Fairness Moyana recently in Jambezi, [email protected]
SMALLHOLDER farmers in Hwange District are beginning to reap the benefits of climate-smart agriculture, with improved yields and rising household incomes recorded under the Smallholder Agriculture Cluster Project (SACP).
This emerged during a Provincial Climate Smart Field Day at Nabomwe Village in Sidinda last week, where farmers showcased conservation farming practices and small grains production as part of efforts to build resilience against climate change.
Officiating at the event, local businessman Mr Roderick Hwaire, owner of Tachik Investment- a milling company specialising in small grains said climate-smart agriculture was critical in transforming the smallholder sector into a sustainable driver of rural development.
“Climate-resilient value chains are no longer optional but essential if we are to improve household incomes, enhance nutrition and build a resilient agricultural sector,” he said.
The field day, supported by the Smallholder Agriculture Cluster Project, brought together AGRITEX officers, Agricultural Producer Groups (APGs), traditional leaders and private sector players to promote market-oriented and climate-smart farming practices.
Mr Hwaire commended farmers for embracing small grains such as sorghum and millet, which are well-suited to the semi-arid conditions of Matabeleland North Province.
“These crops require less water, are more tolerant to heat and poor soils, and contribute significantly to household nutrition and incomes,” he said.
Host farmer, Mr Bekithemba Tshuma, and his wife Mrs Lingani Nyoni who staged the field day, demonstrated how conservation farming techniques are improving productivity at household level.
Mr Tshuma showcased a diversified cropping system comprising sorghum and maize on nearly a hectare of land, with each plot measuring 0.0624 hectares.
His sorghum varieties included SV4, Macia and Sila from Seed Co and Valley Seeds, while maize plots featured the SC555 variety.
He said he expected between 39 and 52 buckets from his sorghum plots and about 52 buckets from maize this season, a significant improvement compared to previous years.
“With Pfumvudza/Intwasa, I prepare planting basins early, apply mulch and manage water carefully. Even when rainfall is poor, the crops perform better.
“Since joining the SACP agriculture group, my income has improved and I am now able to take care of my family and invest in livestock,” said Mr Tshuma.
The SACP is a Government-led initiative aimed at improving household incomes and nutrition through sustainable transformation of the smallholder farming sector.
It focuses on strengthening farmer groups, promoting climate-smart practices, improving access to inputs and linking farmers to markets through value chain development.
Under the programme, farmers are organised into clusters and Agricultural Producer Groups, enabling them to aggregate produce, negotiate better prices and access reliable markets.
Agricultural experts at the field day said adoption of conservation farming practices such as minimum tillage, mulching and crop rotation has contributed to improved yields despite erratic rainfall patterns.
Mr Hwaire urged farmers to continue adopting climate-smart practices and take advantage of growing market opportunities for small grains.
“We must invest in improved seed systems, extension services, value addition and market linkages to ensure farmers benefit fully from their efforts,” he said.
Mr Hwaire also called on farmers to share knowledge within their communities and encourage young people to take up agriculture as a viable business.
“Let us all be ambassadors of climate-smart agriculture and work together to build resilient communities,” he said.
The field day marked the first event of its kind in the ward, signaling growing momentum in the adoption of sustainable agriculture practices in the district.
Online Reporter