Youth innovation blossoms as Bulawayo turns to climate‑smart farming

Lungelo Ndhlovu, [email protected]

EVERY morning, Pastor Muziwanele Ncube unlocks a small, cabin-like structure in Pumula North, Bulawayo. Inside, the air is cool and damp, carrying the earthy scent of fresh soil. Rows of plastic bags hang from the ceiling, filled with organic waste, and delicate white oyster mushrooms sprout like tiny corals.

For the 36-year-old pastor and community leader, this small space is more than a farm. It is a classroom, a workplace, and a lifeline for young people seeking opportunities in a city where jobs are scarce.

“We started mushroom farming in November last year. We chose mushrooms because they are affordable and do not need a lot of money to start. But more importantly, we wanted to involve young people who were not doing anything productive. In a community where jobs are scarce, this helps us create our own opportunities,” he says.

Pastor Ncube’s co-operative, Deep Plough Agriculture Co-operative Society Limited, now has 65 members, including young men and women. Together, they form part of a growing movement in Bulawayo where youth are using simple science and innovation to adapt to climate change while creating jobs.

These projects align with global priorities, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals — SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). By linking local action to international goals, these initiatives show how small, community-driven projects can contribute to broader global solutions.

For decades, farming in Zimbabwe followed a predictable pattern. Older farmers with large tracts of land planted maize and relied heavily on seasonal rains. Families depended on these crops for income and food. But climate change has disrupted this rhythm. Rainfall has become unpredictable, dry spells have lengthened, and extreme heat often destroys crops before maturity.

In response, young people in Bulawayo and the surrounding regions of Matabeleland North and South are experimenting with new ways to grow food. Backyards, abandoned buildings, and community gardens have become hubs of innovation. Farmers are no longer waiting for vast land or perfect weather conditions — they are creating opportunities within the resources they have.

Mr Mkhunjulelwa Ndlovu from the Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services explains that young farmers are learning to maximise small spaces.

“They are realising they do not need large land to make a living. They are using simple methods to produce more from small areas. This is a shift from the traditional view that farming is only for people with big land and resources.”

Across the country, youth-led projects focus on mushroom farming, vegetable gardens, poultry production and beekeeping. These activities are more resilient to climate shocks than maize because they require less water and adapt better to fluctuating weather patterns. Mushrooms are especially appealing because they grow quickly and can be harvested in just three to four weeks, enabling young farmers to earn income far sooner than traditional crops.

This quick turnaround is one reason many young people are attracted to such ventures. Mr Ndlovu adds, “In most cases, youth want fast cash and do not want to work for a long time before seeing results. They are also exposed to new technologies and gadgets, which encourages experimentation and innovation.

This mindset is reshaping farming in Zimbabwe.”

Mushroom farming suits this approach because it is simple and resource-efficient. Farmers repurpose discarded materials — dried grass, corn cobs, sawdust and leftover crop residues — to grow mushrooms.

“They are using things that other people throw away. By repurposing waste, farmers reduce production costs while also protecting the environment. Growing mushrooms indoors also protects them from extreme heat and unpredictable weather, making it a reliable option in a changing climate,” says Mr Ndlovu.

Women play a central role in these initiatives. In Bulawayo’s Ward 17, women grow vegetables, process food and sell produce at local markets. Their work not only supports household income but also strengthens leadership and business skills.

For many families, women are at the heart of food security. By engaging in climate-smart farming, they ensure households have access to nutritious food. Councillor Sikhululekile Moyo says these projects are empowering both women and youth.

“These initiatives are creating spaces that keep young people away from drug abuse. When young people are involved in projects that help them earn money and develop skills, they start planning for their future. Women also learn how to manage projects and lead groups, which strengthens the community.”

Despite these successes, challenges remain. Access to land is a major barrier, particularly for women and young people who often do not own property. Councillor Moyo notes that although Bulawayo has policies that support youth participation, the process of obtaining land or assistance can be slow.

“Sometimes the enthusiasm of young people disappears because the process is too slow. Simplifying procedures could allow more youth and women to start projects that strengthen climate resilience,” she says.

The environmental benefits of youth-led farming are already evident. Farmers use simple techniques such as mulching to retain soil moisture and installing drip irrigation to conserve water. Beekeeping is also gaining popularity; bees help pollinate crops while honey provides an additional income stream.

These practices help communities adapt to climate change while strengthening local food systems.
Programmes like Rural Development 8.0 encourage youth and women to view agriculture as a viable business. Mr Ndlovu explains that the programme supports activities such as fish farming, poultry production, vegetable gardening and processing agricultural products.

“By supporting youth and women entrepreneurs, these initiatives contribute to economic growth, food security, and climate resilience,” he says.

These projects also highlight the importance of knowledge-sharing and mentorship. Experienced farmers guide newcomers, while cooperatives like Deep Plough create peer networks where ideas, techniques and resources circulate freely. This collective approach helps participants avoid mistakes and scale up successful methods more quickly.

Councillor Moyo notes the long-term value of this approach: “They are thinking about food for the future. They are learning skills that will help them survive and succeed no matter how the climate changes. They are creating opportunities not just for themselves, but for their whole community.”

The combination of youth creativity, women’s leadership and simple science is proving remarkably effective. Small spaces are transformed into productive farms. Waste becomes food. Bees ensure pollination while producing honey for sale. These initiatives show that adapting to climate change is not only about large infrastructure or government programmes — it can begin at the community level, led by the people most affected.