Online Reporter
Takudzwa Manzero
Post Correspondent
YOUTHS in sun baked Marange communal lands are spearheading an agro ecological revolution, harnessing the power of animal based bokashi fertiliser water solutions to boost crop yields.
This innovative approach, pioneered by Simukai Vocational Training Centre and funded as a business venture for youths at Mt Zuma Vocational Training Site, is transforming farming practices in the drought prone agro ecological regions four and five of Manicaland.
Operating in Ward Two of Mutare North Constituency, the young farmers have developed an organic solution to counter the drawbacks of chemical fertilisers, which are often criticised for distorting soil pH and compromising the taste of traditional horticultural produce.
By packaging compost, animal manure, and toxin free ingredients into two litre bottles, they are offering farmers a sustainable alternative that enhances soil fertility and promotes climate smart agriculture.
This breakthrough is helping to rejuvenate sandy, poorly drained soils long exhausted by monoculture.
By consolidating organic nutrients into a single product, the cooperative has simplified farming practices, boosted crop production, and improved livelihoods.
Leader of the Mt Zuma cooperative, Miss Tracy Mukunguma said the project is easy to learn and replicate, which encouraged her participation.
“We joined the Green Empowerment Project under Simukai Child Protection Programme, which engaged youths to implement climate smart solutions. Production began early this year after Agritex officers trained us. The process uses chicken manure sealed in a bag and soaked in a 200 litre water container. After three weeks of fermentation, the liquid becomes a potent organic fertiliser. It requires patience and maturity to allow natural fermentation without disturbance,” she explained.
Miss Mukunguma added that the cooperative, now numbering 58 members, coordinates with Magamba Vocational Training Centre for quality control.
They branded their product, Green Empower Liquid Organic Fertilisers, inspired by the parent project.
“The fertiliser has gained traction because of its formidable boost to plant life. We advise farmers to apply it directly to ridges so that roots absorb nutrients like an injection. This targeted application strengthens crops while reducing weed competition,” she said.
Simukai Project coordinator, Mr Ebenezer Mutema, praised the youths’ innovation, noting its popularity at the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi World Tourism Expo held in Mutare in September.
“Buyers were excited by the health benefits of natural fertilisers. The product enhances the taste of small grains, mushrooms, vegetables, and cabbages. Supporting youths from underserved communities with climate smart skills is part of our mission to promote climate justice. We commend their work ethic and progress,” said Mr Mutema.
Communication officer for Participatory Ecological Land Use Management (PELUM) Zimbabwe, Mr Collins Chirinda said said agro ecology practices are vital for sustaining biodiversity.
“Youths participation in agro ecology is a great opportunity for Zimbabwe’s agriculture. Home grown solutions and traditional ecological knowledge, such as intercropping and organic fertilisers, preserve soil life. We encourage farmers to work with Agricultural Business Advisory Officers to align with the National Development Strategy (NDS2) goals,” said Mr Chirinda.
