Farm saved seed transforms social well-being of farmer

Judith Chinawa (47) [kneeling], is a mother of 4 and a smallholder farmer from Chimanimani district. Judith is working with Zimbabwe Seed Sovereignty Programme (ZSSP) partner and PELUM Zimbabwe Member, Towards Sustainable Use of Resources Organisation (TSURO) Trust. Before joining the ZSSP, Judith faced challenges securing seed, forcing her to plant late. Coupled with the poor rainfalls, Judith became a victim of a vicious cycle resulting in poor yields. Photo: TSURO Trust

Judith Chinawa (47) is a smallholder farmer who lives in Chimanimani district, located 414km south-east of Harare, Zimbabwe.

Ever since shifting from using hybrid seed to using indigenous seed in 2015, Judith’s social life has never been the same. She now has self-confidence.

“I did not have courage and confidence in myself. I could not stand in front of people or even address them,” says Judith.

“Now I have confidence. I participate and share information with my Seed Study Group and during seed fairs.” adds Judith.

Judith’s says she is much closer to elderly women who are seed custodians. “”I feel like I have more relatives and love,” says Judith.

Judith’s involvement in the Zimbabwe Seed Sovereignty Programme has not only strengthened her relations within her community but it has also improved her ability to network with farmers from other parts of Chimanimani district.

“Relationship with farmers from other parts of the district now exist and we share knowledge and seed and occasionally I contact them. When we meet at seed functions, we are like relatives,” says Judith.

Speaking on the other benefits of using indigenous seeds, Judith indicated that her food, nutrition and income security have improved.