Climate change is posing a greater threat to rural communities in Southern Africa. In Zimbabwe and Matobo district in particular, the frequency of droughts is eroding livelihood gains made by smallholder farmers. To address this challenge, Fambidzanai Permaculture Centre (FPC), a PELUM-ZWE member and partner in the Zimbabwe Seed Sovereignty Programme (ZSSP) is working with smallholder farmers in Matobo district, Matabeleland South Province, to improve their livelihoods and strengthen their capacity to cope with climate related shocks.
One smallholder farmer working with FPC is Auxillia Bongweni (51), a lead farmer and seed grower who is now able to produce sufficient food in a region that receives a total rainfall of less than 400mm per annum. Before she started working with FPC, Auxillia had been battling to grow enough food to feed her family. She became interested with the prospect of diversifying her crop production and nutrition when she interacted more with other farmers under the ZSSP.
“After being involved in various workshops and exchange visits organised by Fambidzanai I was encouraged and I sold the idea to my husband who also got interested. We became focused on growing more farm saved seeds,” says Auxillia.
Auxillia says she now successfully grows a diversity of climate appropriate farm saved seed. This has helped her save money and make money.
“I had been using a lot of money towards purchasing hybrid seeds but now I save the money meant to buy seeds and channel it towards school fees and other necessities. I now know that my family’s basic needs are always met,” adds Auxillia.
Auxillia sees the use of farm saved seeds as a pathway to improved well-being.
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