Zimbabwe Farmer Trains 80 in Climate-Smart Techniques

When rainfall became unpredictable and fertilizer prices skyrocketed in Chimanimani, Zimbabwe, Samuel Mupfukurei made a bold decision to return to the crops his ancestors grew.

On his one-hectare plot, maize has been replaced by finger millet, rapoko, and sorghum. These traditional grains withstand drought better and cost far less to grow. "Even when the rains are poor, we still harvest something," Mupfukurei says.

His approach is remarkably simple. He uses compost and livestock manure instead of expensive chemical fertilizers. Crop leftovers stay on the field to enrich the soil. Contour ridges capture precious rainwater before it runs off.

The results speak louder than any sales pitch. Mupfukurei now feeds his family reliably, even during dry spells. His soil is healthier. His expenses have dropped dramatically.

PELUM Zimbabwe, TSURO Trust, and PORETO are supporting this transition across vulnerable communities. The program focuses on restoring biodiversity and building climate resilience without breaking farmers' budgets.

What started as one man's experiment has become a teaching movement. Mupfukurei has trained 80 farmers in these agroecological methods. At least 11 of them have already started similar projects in their own villages.

"When you diversify, you reduce risk," he explains. "You are not depending on one crop." His fields now include legumes and fruit trees alongside the grains, creating a natural system where different plants support each other.

The Ripple Effect

The impact extends beyond individual farms. Groundwater levels are improving as more farmers adopt water-capturing techniques. Local biodiversity is bouncing back as chemical use declines and varied crops return to the landscape.

Zimbabwe's government is taking notice too. The national agriculture strategy now emphasizes small grains production, especially in low-rainfall regions. In the 2022/23 season, officials targeted over 350,000 hectares for traditional grains, backed by input distribution and training programs.

These hardy crops require less water and handle harsh conditions far better than maize. As climate patterns shift across southern Africa, what once seemed old-fashioned is proving remarkably modern.

Challenges remain, particularly around market access and consumer preferences. Many Zimbabweans still favor maize-based foods. But farmers like Mupfukurei are focused on what matters first: feeding their families reliably.

"Right now, I can feed my family," he says. "But with more support, I can do more. I can expand and produce for the community."

His one-hectare plot may be modest in size, but its influence is spreading across Chimanimani, one trained farmer at a time.