adminLeonard Ncube
DRAWING inspiration from the Intwasa/Pfumvudza conservation agriculture model, Mr Robert Dube and his wife, Mariya from Jambezi in Hwange District, Matabeleland North, have become model farmers by fusing this concept with hydrogel technology and its water retention properties.
Their innovative approach to farming has not only transformed their own livelihood but also sparked hope for sustainable agriculture in the arid Hwange district, one of Zimbabwe’s driest regions.
Hydrogel technology, known for its ability to absorb and retain moisture around crops for more than a month, played a crucial role. Hydrogel is a synthetic material applied around crops in planting holes. It absorbs and stores water, releasing it slowly during dry periods to the crops.
The Dubes experimented with incorporating hydrogel crystals into their farming practices, and the results were astounding. Despite adverse effects of climate change, they are expecting a bumper harvest from their three plots.
On one plot, they planted the sorghum variety Macia using both the Intwasa/Pfumvudza model and hydrogel, expecting about 0,4 tonnes of yield – a huge success considering most farmers’ crops were a write-off. The other two plots were planted using just the Intwasa concept.
Intwasa/Pfumvudza conservation farming, introduced by the Government, has helped Zimbabwe attain food security in the last three seasons while boosting household incomes for small-scale farmers. This climate-proofed farming model enables farmers to salvage better yields despite low rainfall.
The Dubes’ success story demonstrates the power of innovation and sustainable practices in addressing food shortages caused by climate change. A field day celebrated the pilot project’s success, encouraging other farmers to embrace climate-smart methods.
Dr Godfrey Nehanda, the SACP national coordinator, said that hydrogel materials, currently imported from South Africa, are available in limited quantities.
“We don’t have large-scale suppliers of the hydrogel. However, once there are takers for the technology we will see more of suppliers. We are doing similar things in five provinces and organising field days in the same way we have organised a field day here in Hwange, Matabeleland North. We are following a value chain development approach and what we are trying to do is link farmers to the market,” he said.
SACP was organising farmers into clusters. These clusters produce specific products that are then aggregated. The SACP concept aims to promote market-led and climate-smart value chains, along with a small component of irrigation schemes.
“We entice buyers to come in and pick products in large volumes. The idea is to cushion farmers against the effects of climate change through climate-smart initiatives as well as assisting the value chains to participate in the market,” he said
At its peak, the project will see 1 780 hectares of land being developed under irrigation, while also promoting agricultural value chains in the five provinces. The project is being funded with US$67,4 million and covers 428 wards in 28 districts countrywide.
In Matabeleland North, the SACP is being implemented in Binga, Hwange, Lupane, and Nkayi districts.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter