derick.khumalo
Raymond Jaravaza, Zimpapers Reporter
A COUPLE from Village 1B in Umguza District, Matabeleland North Province, is inspiring fellow farmers after recording a bumper maize and sugar bean harvest through the Government’s Intwasa/Pfumvudza conservation agriculture programme.
The couple, Mr Sofly Mthombeni and his wife, Ottilia, harvested six tonnes of maize from a small plot at their homestead, demonstrating the potential of climate-smart farming to improve household food security and boost agricultural production.
Intwasa/Pfumvudza is a climate-smart conservation agriculture model being promoted across the country to maximise crop yields on small plots of land while using fewer resources. The programme has become a key pillar in efforts to strengthen household food security and contribute to the country’s strategic grain reserves.
The Mthombenis have been practising the Intwasa farming concept for the past four years, with the 2025/26 agricultural season proving to be their most productive, aided by above-normal rainfall received in Umguza District.
“We managed to harvest six tonnes of maize from our plot where we dug Intwasa holes. The advice from our local agricultural extension officer was very helpful and she assisted us all the way from the time we planted the maize crops to harvesting.
“My advice is for fellow villagers to practice Intwasa for improved yields,” said Mr Mthombeni.
In addition to the grain harvest, the family will use the maize stalks and bean residue as supplementary feed for their cattle, further enhancing the benefits of the conservation farming system.
The family’s success has attracted the attention of seed company Valley Seeds, which plans to establish a farmer learning centre at the Mthombeni homestead to promote climate-smart agriculture among surrounding communities.
“The Mthombeni family have shown us that smart farming practices are the future of agriculture in Zimbabwe. We will establish a learning school in their homestead so that other villagers can learn about Intwasa/Pfumvudza and take that knowledge to their respective fields,” said Valley Seeds Commercial Business Director, Mr Tich Mapongah.
