WIFE: Cultivating wellness and food security throu...

WIFE: Cultivating wellness and food security through farming

Oscar J Jeke

Zim Now Reporter

Women in Farming and Entrepreneurship is blossoming across Zimbabwe, empowering women and youth through agriculture and fostering a healthier, more resilient future.

Founded by the visionary Nyaradzo Amanda, WIFE is more than just an organisation; it’s a movement blooming from the grassroots.

WIFE’s mission is multi-faceted. They provide education and financial assistance, equipping participants with the knowledge and resources needed to thrive. Training programmes encompass “smart farming” techniques, environmentally friendly practices, and “gardening for wellness” – a unique approach that harnesses the therapeutic power of agriculture to cultivate mental well-being alongside food security.

WIFE doesn’t stop at individual growth. They also focus on building capacity within youth and women-led agricultural businesses. By imparting technical skills, market access know-how, and capital infrastructure support, WIFE empowers these enterprises to become engines of productivity and innovation.

Amanda’s vision extends beyond traditional agricultural training. WIFE embraces a holistic approach, incorporating psycho-social support and leveraging the power of “farming as therapy”.

This aligns with World Health Organisation’s de-institutionalisation of mental health, promoting mental health through nature’s embrace.

“WIFE seeks to inspire a love for agriculture entrepreneurship, not just for financial gain, but for overall well-being,” explains Amanda.

Their “farming for wellness” programme, or “green mental health” as she terms it, fosters a deep connection to the land and its restorative power.

WIFE recognises food security as a cornerstone of national development. Amanda emphasises this patriotic responsibility, urging Zimbabweans to embrace self-sufficiency. To maximise impact, WIFE forges partnerships with key organisations.

WIFE’s network is as diverse as its goals. They collaborate with the Women’s University in Africa, rural community leaders, the US Embassy in Zimbabwe, and the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Harare. These partnerships provide a fertile ground for knowledge sharing, resource allocation, and comprehensive support.