BIKITA – IN a bid to climate-proof agriculture and ensure maximum production,
farmers are being asked to adopt the agro-ecological methods of farming so as to
curb drought and attain sustainable livelihoods for every household.
Speaking, during the Seed and Food Fair event organised by Earthlore and partners
in Ward 21 Chamas Garden in Bikita, Masvingo Provincial Agricultural Advisory
Rural Development Services, Caristo Masiiwa, who was the guest of honour
commended the organisers of the event which he said is in line with Government
initiative to attain upper middle income economy by 2030.
The Seed and Food fair was attended by over 300 exhibitors from Bikita District.
People from Uganda, Malawi, Kenya, South Africa and Benin also graced the event.
Masiiwa said the Ministry of Agriculture encourages farmers to consider their area as
well as adapting to climate change and embrace traditional grains as they are more
favourable for Region 4 and 5.
“Unless we take action, we will remain slaves of climate change embracing healthy
eating and health farming. Small grains also help us in fighting the new incurable
diseases. I am impressed by the seeds that were being exhibited and I encourage
the African food and health processing to attain sustainable livelihoods since
Masvingo is a low rainfall area.
“As a province, we are now mainly focusing on traditional grain production after
having conducted an Agro-ecological tailoring programme. The exercise enables the
distribution of appropriate inputs basing on the region. Masvingo Province is
comprised of Regions 3, 4 and 5 and maize is not recommended unless under
irrigation,” he said.
Masiiwa said traditional grains are affected by quelea birds but assured farmers that
his Ministry had initiated a Migratory Pest and Biosecurity Department, which will
help in managing the birds.
“Quelea birds are a problem when farming traditional grains and we have taken
measures of protection using Migratory Pest and Biosecurity Department, which
controls pests through monitoring of the birds’ movement and identifying their rest
places, to capture them or spray them so as to manage their population.
He said Masvingo Province has set targets in which Sorghum, Millet and Rapoko
areas are pegged at 60 000 hectares and 25 000 hectares respectively.
Earthlore Director, Method Gundidza, was pleased with the huge turnout by
smallholder farmers. He said the event will assist traditional grain farmers in attaining
sustainable livelihoods at the same time protecting their environment.

“We are working to bring back African seed and food through over 300 households
that have come for exhibition. We aim to promote organic farming, processing and
marketing of produce in order to uplift the welfare of smallholder farmers through
participatory ecological land use planning and management.
“As Earthlore, we consider revival, multiplication and propagation of African or
traditional seeds. This is the year of Millet as declared by United Nation Food
Agriculture Organisation and we have brought back the long lost variety called
svoboda or Barn Yard Millet. The seed and food fair will help communities in
protecting their wild biodiversity and protecting sacred natural sites, drawing on local
traditional systems passed through generations,” said Gundiza.
The South African representative of Venda ethnic grouping, Mashudu Takalani, said
their planting season starts in September and it is not a coincidence to attend the
Seed and Food Fair, which is beneficial in also idea sharing as Africa is one
regardless of boundaries.
“It's not by coincidence that the programme was held today and we need to start
preparations to avoid dependency syndrome and adapt to climate change.
Traditional seeds are regaining prominence due to climate change. We are happy
and pleased that people are now embracing African food and seeds which assist in
traditional ceremony. They are our solution to ecological problems. I'm grateful for
the celebration as we celebrate new season and we hope to meet again after
harvesting,” said Takalani.
Also present at the event were the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Community, Small
and Medium Enterprises Development, local authorities, and traditional leaders as
well Agricultural Extension Officers.