By Sharon Chimenya

THE agro-ecological tailoring farming system being promoted by the Government is paying dividends for Chivi where smallholder farmers expect bumper harvests from their traditional grain crops.

In mitigating effects of climate change in the agricultural sector, Zimbabwe adopted the concept of agro-ecological “cut to fit” in which low rainfall areas are encouraged to grow traditional grains.

Masvingo Province is in the agro-ecological Region 4 and 5 characterised by long dry spells and little rainfall, hence the promotion of traditional climate-resilient grains which contribute to the reduction of food shortages.

Sibangani Dhibha, a farmer in Chivi’s Ward 24 adopted the traditional grain initiative and planted Rakodzi Sorghum at his 0,4 hectare plot and is expecting a yield of around two tonnes.

Dhibha, like most farmers in the district, was tempted to put maize on his 0,4 ha plot after the first rains but through the advice from Agritex extension officers and those from USAID introduced him to traditional grains.

These grains are key in the food value chain, critical for food security and incomes.
The Government seeks to increase the hectarage from producing approximately 150 000mt to 500 000 metric tonnes a year.

“Last year, we convened a meeting in Chivi and were taught on climate change. We heard rains would be insufficient for the agricultural season and were encouraged to plant small grains. At the first rainfall we initially considered planting maize as usual, but Agritex extension officers emphasised maize was not suitable for this district, so I decided to buy Rakodzi Sorghum,” he explained.

“We no longer practise farming in the traditional manner, where people would go to Matopos for rain ceremonies and then cultivate whatever crop they pleased. Instead, we now collaborate with extension officers and cultivate crops suitable for our agro-ecological regions.”

In an interview the Ministry of Land, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary, Professor Obert Jiri, said the Government would ensure every farmer was conscious of their agro-ecological regions and what had to be grown in each region.

“In terms of agro-ecological matching, we still have farmers adamant to grow maize where it is unsuitable. The clear message is that Regions 4 and 5 are no longer suitable for heavy feeder crops like maize, and so we encourage farmers to adhere to the ecological tailoring agenda. Regions 1, 2 and 3 are most suitable for maize at the moment and those in Regions 4 and 5 must migrate to traditional grains,” he advised.

“Traditional grains do well in Region 4 and 5, where it is hot, where the rain is less and farmers in these regions will certainly harvest something because traditional grains are drought-tolerant. However, we continue to see farmers that continue to grow maize in Regions 4 and 5 that is setting yourself up for hunger because maize will fail, especially to those without irrigation.”