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Herald Reporter
THE First Lady Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa has called for increased agricultural production from peri-urban farmers to complement the output of rural farmers, thereby guaranteeing food security at household level.
This follows the launch of the Zimbabwe Peri-Urban Farmer Development Trust in Harare to promote the participation of urban dwellers in agricultural activities.
The launch was attended by peri-urban farmers mainly women drawn from Glen View, Budiriro, Kuwadzana, Mufakose, among other high density suburbs.
The First Lady was represented at the launch by the Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Douglas Karoro.
In a speech read on her behalf by Deputy Minister Karoro, Amai Mnangagwa said peri-urban farmers should value the importance of land cultivation to their livelihoods.
She called for the bridging of the gap between urban and rural farmers, saying the scenario of people buying food from rural areas should be a thing of the past if peri-urban farmers were supported.
“It is a known fact that the number of people moving to towns from rural areas is increasing everyday and these migrants need to be fed,” said the First Lady. “Therefore, we should all support orderly, organised and environmentally conscious farming activities.”
Peri-urban farming, she said, was a way of showing gratitude to Government for the Land Reform Programme which came about as a result of the protracted liberation struggle.
Amai Mnangagwa said Government had recognised peri-urban farmers and would continue supporting their activities with inputs.
“It is important to note that these farmers need to be coordinated so that their activities proceed without hindrance or them damaging the environment,” she said.
“A hungry man is an angry man. This adage is true in our case as people can sacrifice the gains of the liberation struggle simply because they were hungry or were promised a few foodstuffs by our detractors.
“The best is to encourage our people in the cities to grow their own food as peri-urban farmers.”
Urban centres were usually hives of activity, hence the demand for fresh vegetables and fruits was also very high.
Amai Mnangagwa said no one would be left out in ensuring food security at household level was achieved.
“I am very happy with the progress made so far by your trust in registering and coordinating farming activities,” she said. “I understand you are also taking part in Pfumvudza/Intwasa and your listening Government will support you.”
Local communities as well as the Government, she said, had always been concerned with feeding the growing urban population.
During the 2020/21 farming season, the Government availed Pfumvudza inputs to peri-urban farmers and those in Harare alone had responded by delivering 400 tonnes of maize to the Grain Marketing Board.
“I am happy to say your listening Government under the leadership of His Excellency Cde President Emmerson Mnangagwa has already supported the urban farmers of Harare region with Pfumvudza inputs,” she said.
“I am also happy to hear that you responded positively by delivering 400 tonnes of maize grain to Grain Marketing Board storage through the Government initiative.”
She called upon the Trust to cascade its activities to all urban centres to ensure food security across the country.
“I believe the Trust’s activities will cascade to all the urban centres of Zimbabwe so that we become food secure in these areas,” she said. “This will go a long way in supporting Government initiatives to feed the nation.”
The Trust’s advisor Mrs Betty Nhambu-Kaseke urged urban dwellers to support the Government to achieve food security at household.
She commented the First Lady for her philanthropic work towards uplifting the livelihoods of the under privileged societies.
“We all know the works that she is doing across the country. She is doing philanthropic work in this country and she is one person who is working towards reaching out to everyone across the country,” said Mrs Nhambu-Kaseke.
Zimbabwe Peri-Urban Farmers Trust chairman Mr Jabulani Mbetu said they were appealing to local authorities across the country to avail underutilised land for farming.
The peri-urban farmers in Harare donated four tonnes of maize to Angel of Hope Foundation to support the most vulnerable members in society
“Urban farmers should also grow horticulture crops on small plots as a part time activity or become professional growers dedicated to intensive market gardening,” said Mr Mbetu.
“The Trust was premised on the need to recognise the peri-urban farmers to be productive and contribute to the national food basket.
“This peri-urban farmers’ community is composed of pensioners, housewives, widows, and even the working class, including bankers.”
Online Reporter