Tsuro Trust drives climate resilience projects across 5 Zimbabwean districts

Tsuro Trust representative Ms Melissa Pimenukai

TSURO Trust says it is making significant strides in strengthening climate change resilience and sustainable livelihoods in rural communities through the Adaptation Fund Project being implemented in partnership with key stakeholders.

Speaking at the Communities and Ecosystems Climate Change Resilience Desk, which exhibited at the recent Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) 20206, Tsuro Trust representative Ms Mellisa Pemhenukai said the organisation is implementing the project under the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), which is the national implementing entity, while Tsuro Trust and ORAP Trust serve as executing partners.

The project is being rolled out in five districts Chimanimani District, Buhera District, Binga District, Bulilima District and Chivi District with a focus on promoting climate-smart agriculture and ecosystem restoration.Ms Pemhenukai said the initiative prioritises conservation agriculture to minimise soil disturbance and improve productivity.

“We are supporting farmers with mechanised equipment such as earth augers to enhance adoption of conservation agriculture. In Gutu, Chimanimani, Mberengwa, Bulilima and Bulilima districts, we have already distributed 200 earth augers, which are being shared among farmer groups,” she said.

The project is also promoting the production of small grains in drought-prone areas, as part of efforts to improve food security under changing climatic conditions.

In addition, Tsuro Trust is establishing solar-powered boreholes and nutrition gardens across the five districts, with plans to set up at least 15 of each to support household nutrition and income generation.

“We are also promoting agroforestry by training farmers in grafting and budding of fruit trees. Communities are being supported to establish school and community business units that will sell tree seedlings and provide planting material for ecosystem restoration,” said Ms Pemhenukai.

She said afforestation programmes are being encouraged, particularly among young people, through innovative campaigns such as tree-planting initiatives held around Valentine’s Day to boost participation.

The project also focuses on wetland protection and forest conservation, with communities being engaged to use both modern and indigenous knowledge systems to safeguard natural resources.

“In some areas we are providing fencing for wetlands, while in others communities prefer to use traditional methods to preserve these ecosystems and maintain water sources,” she said.

As part of forest conservation, Tsuro Trust is promoting beekeeping projects, training farmers in hive construction, honey production and value addition.

“We are encouraging the use of modern Kenyan top-bar hives to reduce deforestation associated with traditional beekeeping methods that rely on large indigenous trees,” she said.
Farmers are also being trained to produce by-products such as beeswax for candles, soap and shoe polish, as well as value-added honey products.

Ms Pemhenukai said the project further supports soil and water conservation through in-field water harvesting techniques, including the construction of contour ridges and drainage systems.

The initiative targets 6 000 households, with support from the Department of Mechanisation to provide tractors for large-scale land preparation.

“We are also promoting organic fertilisers such as Bokashi and liquid manure, using locally available materials like cattle dung. Lead farmers are being trained to cascade knowledge within their communities,” she said.

Ms Pemhenukai said the integrated approach aims to build resilient communities capable of adapting to climate change while restoring ecosystems and improving livelihoods.