By Johnson Siamachira
Harare, (New Ziana) – At dawn, Ephraim Mugonhiwa, a 72-year-old smallholder farmer in Ward 19 in Muzarabani district, 150 kilometres from the capital Harare, rises with the sun, hopeful for a better harvest. For years, his modest maize plot barely sustained his family, leaving them vulnerable to the whims of climate and soil degradation. But this season, Mugonhiwa embraces a new approach: sorghum, a drought-tolerant crop that promises resilience in the face of adversity.
Muzarabani, nestled in Zimbabwe’s Mashonaland Central Province, grapples with a harsh climate that delivers less than 650 millimetres of rain annually. Ward 19 falls in the country’s agroecological Region 1V, and is mainly a cotton, sorghum, ground nuts and livestock production area. Traditional dry land farming methods have failed many, pushing Mugonhiwa and other 153 000 district inhabitants to the brink of despair. Yet, within this struggle lies an opportunity for transformation.
‘’With sorghum farming, our livelihoods have been transformed,’’ says Mugonhiwa’s wife, Makudzevhu-Nyoni Mugonhiwa.
As Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector continues to improve, sorghum emerges as a beacon of hope. With 68 per cent of the nation’s 16 million citizens relying on smallholder farming, the shift towards this drought-tolerant grain not only addresses food security but also supports economic growth and revitalisation in rural communities. By integrating innovative agriculture practices and market access, farmers like Mugonhiwa are crafting a sustainable agriculture future.
Historically, agriculture serves as the backbone of Zimbabwe’s economy, employing over 70 per cent of the population. Despite contributing only 11-14 per cent to the Gross Domestic Product, the sector remains vital for raw material supply and rural livelihoods. However, smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe typically cultivate less than six hectares, limiting their capacity to produce sufficient yields.
The country has continued to experience climatic shocks. Recurring droughts, erratic rainfall, and poor harvests have been the drivers of food insecurity in rural areas.
Enter sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), a cereal uniquely suited for arid conditions. Its robust nature and high tolerance for drought make it an ideal choice for farmers facing climate change challenges. While it struggles to compete with imported cereals like wheat and rice, sorghum’s nutritional benefits are undeniable: it boasts higher levels of iron and zinc compared to maize and wheat, making it a staple for many in Zimbabwe’s dry regions.
The sorghum initiative in Muzarabani aims to transform farming practices, treating farming as a family business. Targeting 800 households, the project focuses on enhancing income, nutrition, and food security through integrated crop-livestock production systems.
Phillipa Rwambiwa, the Mashonaland Central provincial director for Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS) in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture,Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, emphasises the importance of technical support for farmers to improve yields. ‘’Without effective extension services, most smallholders can’t move from subsistence to commercial farming.’’
To tackle production challenges, the government collaborates with private sector partners like Farmbiz, which provides essential resources and expertise. Farmbiz organises on-farm evaluations and demonstration plots to train farmers in effective sorghum cultivation techniques. Local core farmers, selected for their exceptional performance, lead training sessions for their peers, fostering a spirit of community learning.
Mugonhiwa recalls how he once relied on cattle and donkeys for ploughing his fields. Now, with guidance from extension officers, he learns vital practices such as conservation agriculture, intercropping, integrated pest and soil management. “I didn’t know that changing my farming practices could make such a huge difference,” he reflects, visibly proud of his progress.
Access to reliable markets is crucial for these smallholder farmers. Through the Farmbiz initiative, Mugonhiwa and others secure contracts and are provided inputs and promise to purchase their harvests at fair prices. This model not only empowers farmers but also stimulates local economies.
As Mugonhiwa implements best practices, his yields soar. “From my four-hectare plot, I’m expecting to harvest 2.5 tonnes per hectare of sorghum, compared to 1.8 tonnes last year,” he says, his eyes gleaming with optimism. He plans to reinvest his earnings into maize for family consumption and expand his horticultural endeavours.
Farmbiz currently contracts 301 farmers, 35 per cent of whom are women. These farmers have doubled their yields, transitioning from an average of one tonne per hectare using indigenous varieties,to two tonnes with improved hybrids. This significant increase not only bolsters food security but also enhances their economic standing.
Given climate change and rising cereal costs, sorghum’s future appears brighter than ever. By equipping farmers with essential skills and fostering a culture of knowledge sharing, the initiative extends its impact throughout Muzarabani.
As Mugonhiwa looks to the future, he stands as a symbol of resilience and innovation. “I’m ready to continue adopting these technologies beyond the contract period,” he declares, embodying the hope that sorghum brings to his community.
In a land where drought once dictated despair, sorghum now sows the seeds of hope, prosperity and nourishing Muzarabani’s future.
