Climate-Smart Farming Gains Traction in Zimbabwe

Rutendo Mazhindu

Zim Now Reporter

A field day at Inverness Farm yesterday showcased the growing adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices among Zimbabwean farmers as they grapple with the impacts of changing weather patterns. The event in Hurungwe, where the rainy season commenced late on December 29, 2024, provided a platform for farmers to exchange knowledge and strategies for navigating the challenges of rising temperatures and unpredictable rainfall.

Traditional leader Susan Murisa emphasized the proactive role of her community in monitoring the distribution of Pfumvudza/Intwasa inputs, working alongside councillors and government officials. "This has been instrumental in ensuring that beneficiaries receive inputs on time. In that regard, we are also ensuring that every household practices the correct Pfumvudza tenets hence ensuring household food security," she stated.

Artwell Gidion, the Inverness Farm Manager, underscored the significance of adhering to agronomic advice to adapt to the evolving conditions. He highlighted the impressive yields achieved with the Zadzamatura maize variety, noting, "with Zadzamatura we produced 68 hectares of maize which resulted in 85% yield. The seed produced is a 2-in-1 variety that we call early to medium. Our maize can give us 12 tonnes per hectare. We didn't expect such high yields because we started farming on January 2 using 23ml, however, 25ml is expected for the seeds to grow well. As farmers, we should continue to abide by what we are advised to do by officials, which includes timeframes to plant, what to plant, and when to apply fertilizers and chemicals."

Daniel Myers, Managing Director of Zadzamatura, affirmed the seed company's commitment to supporting the government's food security agenda. "As Zadzamatura and other seed companies in the country, we are rallying behind the government's food security agenda by producing hybrid seed varieties that also offer improved resistance to drought and common pests, ensuring both food security and better returns for smallholder farmers. We continue to urge our farmers to work closely with agricultural extension officers so that they are guided accordingly in line with changing weather patterns."

Andrew Mafuzhe, the Hurungwe District Agricultural Extension Officer, pointed out the success of Pfumvudza farmers despite the delayed start of the rains. "It is now common knowledge that our seasons are becoming shorter and shorter with each passing year. So our call to farmers is that by June or July, they should start preparing their Pfumvudza plots so that they can plant with early rains."