Sharon Chigeza
MUTARE – As the first rains of the season drench the city, urban farmers in Mutare are seizing the opportunity to plant their crops, capitalising on the early onset of the rainy season.
With the Meteorological Services Department (MSD) having forecast widespread showers across the country, farmers are working tirelessly to prepare their gardens and plant their seeds.
The rains, which began last week on Monday and continued through Friday, have provided a much-needed boost to local agriculture, prompting farmers to act swiftly.
As urban populations grow and food insecurity rises, more people are turning to backyard gardening and crop farming to supplement their food needs.
With the MSD forecasting a favourable planting season, many farmers have seized the opportunity to prepare their plots for the upcoming growing season. The early rains are seen as a sign of a potentially productive agricultural year, encouraging urban dwellers to cultivate everything from staple crops to fresh vegetables.
“I have been waiting for this moment. The rains mean it’s time to plant. I have already cleared most of my plot and I plan to start on the maize as soon as the soil is ready,” said Gift Dzumbira, who was tending to his field early Wednesday morning.
“It’s a race against time. We have to make sure we plant before the ground becomes too muddy to work as the rains seem promising this season,” noted another farmer, Grace Chikozho.
The excitement among urban farmers is palpable, as many rely on these crops not only for their families’ sustenance but also for income. The availability of fresh produce is crucial for local markets, and the early rains could lead to a bountiful harvest that would lower prices and improve food security in the community.
In support of sustainable agricultural practices in the urban areas, the Mutare City council has allocated land for community gardens and urban farming projects, allowing residents to cultivate crops in designated areas. This helps maximise the use of available space in urban settings.
“We know that urban agriculture plays a pivotal role in food security and as council we have set aside land for that. Each year, we publicise a map that shows areas available for farming activities. That map is available at our housing department offices at Moffat Hall in Sakubva,” said council acting spokesperson, Charles Sadondo.
The impact of climate on local farming practices is significant, and the early rains have been welcomed after previous seasons of erratic weather patterns. Many farmers are optimistic about the prospects for the season ahead, but they remain vigilant, knowing that weather conditions can change rapidly.
However, the early rains have also provided a much-needed reprieve for livestock farmers, in the rural and peri-urban areas who have been struggling with the effects of the recent drought. The increased availability of pasture and water has improved the condition of their animals and boosted milk production.
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