Young farmer turns wheat field into symbol of hope

Nothando Zondo, [email protected]

WHEN many young people his age are searching for work or leaving rural areas in pursuit of opportunities elsewhere, 21-year-old Lincoln Moyo is doing something different.
In the heart of Imbizo Village in Umzingwane District, the young farmer has ventured into wheat production for the first time, transforming a small piece of land into a promising crop that is now drawing attention from agricultural experts, community leaders and fellow youths.

What began as an opportunity provided through a Government youth empowerment programme has grown into a powerful example of how young people can use agriculture to build livelihoods, support their families and contribute to national food security.

Standing among rows of maturing wheat, Moyo is proof that farming is not only for older generations. His crop, planted on nearly half a hectare of land, is now at the hard dough stage and is expected to produce around half a tonne of wheat when harvested.

The achievement is particularly significant because this is his first attempt at growing the crop.
His efforts recently attracted dozens of visitors during a field day held at his homestead on August 26. Agritex officials, local leaders and community members gathered to assess the progress of the project and celebrate what many described as an inspiring example of youth participation in agriculture.

For agricultural extension officers, Moyo’s success shows what can happen when opportunity meets determination.
Umzingwane District Agronomist Mrs Tsitsi Chimbunda said the young farmer had seized an opportunity that many others could also benefit from.

“We are proud to see youths who were given wheat responding to the call under Vision 2030. This youth responded fast to the availability of inputs at the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) and used them to plant wheat at his home,” she said.

Mrs Chimbunda said what makes the project even more encouraging is that Moyo had never grown wheat before.
“This is the first time for him to farm wheat, meaning if he continues after getting experience, he will be able to reach other youths,” she said.
She believes Moyo’s project can serve as a learning centre and a source of motivation for other young people in the district who may be hesitant to venture into agriculture.

According to Mrs Chimbunda, Government support programmes have created opportunities for youths willing to put in the effort.
She encouraged more young people to take up wheat farming, saying support would remain available.

“If youths in our area could venture into farming wheat, the Government would provide inputs for free. All they have to do is plant, nurture and harvest, take the produce and sell it, then deliver the surplus to GMB so that there will be food at GMB,” she said.

But wheat is only one part of Moyo’s growing agricultural venture.
At his homestead, he has also diversified into vegetable production, growing various leafy greens that provide both food and income. Agricultural experts say such projects are important because they help households earn money throughout the year while reducing dependence on a single crop.

Mrs Chimbunda said these initiatives also play an important social role by keeping young people actively engaged.
“We are grateful to the Government for such opportunities that equip our youths to better their income, limiting them from drifting into drugs and substance abuse,” she said.
Community leaders say Moyo’s achievement did not happen in isolation.

Ward 1 Councillor Thembelani Tshuma said efforts were made to identify and mobilise young people across the ward before training programmes were introduced.
“We compiled youths, village by village, and facilitators came and trained them. They responded well, and we are happy that, because of Vision 2030, our youths are taught survival skills,” he said.
Councillor Tshuma said technical guidance from Agritex officers had played an important role in helping ensure the success of projects such as Moyo’s wheat field.

He expressed hope that more young people would be inspired to venture into agriculture and other productive activities.
“By 2030 we are looking forward to irrigation schemes and VBU projects being fully functional and changing lives in our communities,” he said.

The impact of the project is already being felt among young people in the area.
Ms Sindisiwe Nkomo, a youth from Emaqaqeni, said Moyo’s efforts had challenged others to rethink how they view employment and income generation.

Instead of waiting for jobs to come to them, she said young people should make use of opportunities available within their communities.
“It has given us a challenge not to just sit idle or beg but to use such opportunities that give us income-generating methods, creating job opportunities for others in the long run,” she said.

For Moyo himself, the decision to plant wheat was driven by practical considerations.
He was attracted by the crop’s relatively short production cycle and its potential to generate income within a comparatively short period.

“I planted it because it grows fast and brings income fast. I am grateful to President Mnangagwa for such uplifting projects that enable us to be occupied and abstain from drug and substance abuse,” he said.

The young farmer believes more youths can benefit if they take agriculture seriously and make use of available support programmes.
“By Vision 2030, we hope all youths will have something that brings income and not claim to be unemployed because of the availability of such projects,” he said.
Despite the success of his wheat crop, Moyo says challenges remain.

Like many farmers across the country, he has been affected by water shortages and electricity outages. Some of his wheat plants died because there was not enough water available when it was needed.

He hopes assistance can be secured to drill a borehole and provide an alternative source of power to keep irrigation systems running during electricity cuts.
Such improvements, he says, would allow him to expand production and farm more consistently throughout the year.
Village headman Melusi Dlodlo believes Moyo is setting an example worth following.

He said the young farmer had demonstrated what could be achieved when determination is matched with available opportunities and support.
“I wish other youths to copy him and even do better and use irrigation systems provided by the Government to do projects that will leave them financially independent,” he said.

As harvest time approaches, Moyo’s wheat field stands as more than just a crop. It represents the ambitions of a young farmer who chose to create opportunities rather than wait for them.
In a district where many youths face limited employment prospects, his story offers a simple but powerful message: with support, hard work and the right mindset, agriculture can be a pathway to income, self-reliance and a brighter future.