Many senior citizens retire from formal employment and adopt a quiet and inactive lifestyle but Betty Matanda (60) from Chimanimani district has proven that elders in any community can still pursue their passion, become productive and prosperous.
Betty, a lead farmer, has been working with PELUM Zimbabwe member, Towards Sustainable Use of Resources Organisation (TSURO) Trust since 2014. Betty first engaged TSURO Trust when she attended a training on Agroecological practices. This training marked the beginning of her transformation.
“I am a former headmistress but I have always had a passion for farming. I attended a training facilitated by TSURO Trust at a seed fair in Saurombe village. From this training, I was taught how to plant open-pollinated seed varieties and to use manure and compost to improve soil fertility,” says Betty.
Betty says for the first time in her life she grew farm saved seeds. As she engaged more with TSURO Trust she ventured into poultry, starting off with indigenous chickens popularly known as ‘roadrunners’. She diversified her farming by rearing pigs in addition to keeping cattle and goats. Through guidance from TSURO Trust, Betty’s life has turned around, particularly her diet and income.
“I sell my roadrunners and pigs and use the money to rent and run a grocery shop which is giving me more money than what I used to earn as a headmistress,” says Betty.
Farm saved seeds have become extremely important for Betty. She says farm saved seeds have become the staple in her family’s diet.
“These indigenous seeds have brought a big change in my life. My family and I now eat healthy food free from chemicals,” says Betty.
Comments