shloboe boe
Freedom Mupanedemo, Midlands Bureau
THE Farmer Field School (FFS) training programme is reshaping the face of agricultural education and extension services in Midlands Province, offering farmers hands-on training that enhances productivity and promotes sustainable farming practices.
The innovative FFS model, which is farmer-centred and participatory by design, has already reached over two million farmers across the country through the establishment of more than 500 field schools. Government intends to expand this by rolling out 35 000 field schools, one in every village to boost traditional crop production and strengthen extension services.
The approach is significantly improving agricultural output, with a special focus on climate resilience and livelihood enhancement. Notably, the programme is also empowering women, encouraging active participation in finding solutions to local agricultural challenges.
The transformative impact of FFS was evident during a recent training session held at Mberengwa Prison under the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS).
Mberengwa District Development Co-ordinator, Mr Vafios Hlabati, hailed the programme as a key component in the fight against climate-induced food insecurity.
“This good work comes after efficient utilisation of drought mitigation measures that include early land preparation, good variety selection and early planting, “ he said.
Mr Hlabati commended ZPCS farms in Midlands for supporting the national food security agenda, adding that field days were critical platforms for knowledge exchange.
“These events help stakeholders to exchange ideas and gain insights into cutting-edge agricultural practices, fostering collaboration and innovation,” he said.
ZPCS Midlands provincial farm manager, Chief Correctional Officer Cheneso Mafuta, said there is a need to embrace modern farming technologies to scale up food production.
“We are working with stakeholders to achieve food security. With new irrigation equipment, we can farm all year round. ZPCS is committed to adopting modern techniques to ensure food sufficiency,” he said.
Chief Correctional Officer Mafuta also noted that Mberengwa Prison has expanded its agricultural portfolio beyond maize to include goat rearing, poultry, aquaculture and horticulture.
One of the beneficiaries of the FFS training, Mr Petros Ngoni, a smallholder farmer from Mberengwa, said the programme transformed his farming practices.
“Before the training, I was cultivating a small plot with poor yields. Now, I’m farming a larger area and last season I had a good harvest. I also learned that traditional grains are more suitable for our climate,” he said.
derick.khumalo