Smallholder farmers in Bikita are working with Schools and Colleges Permaculture Programme (SCOPE) Zimbabwe, a PELUM Zimbabwe member to redefine their farming methods, crops and diet.
SCOPE Zimbabwe has taken a systems approach to transform the food systems of these farmers. Through its seed sovereignty programme, smallholder farmers are relearning how to grow crops, which crops to grow and which food to eat and how to prepare it.
Sara Chaodza (56) is one of the smallholder farmers working with SCOPE Zimbabwe. Before working with SCOPE Zimbabwe, Sara’s farming practices were unsustainable.
“I used to practice mono-cropping where one crop was planted on its own plot. This resulted in the soil deteriorating,” says Sara.
In addition to practicing poor farming methods Sara depended on agrochemicals and hybrid maize.
I also used to grow and eat hybrid maize as well as use pesticides and fertilisers,” says Sara.
Through working with SCOPE Zimbabwe, Sara has transformed her farming methods and crop diversity.
“Now I practice intercropping a variety of indigenous crops. I now grow a wider variety of crops while mixing them in one plot. Mulching is helping to reduce weeds and this reduces labour on the farm,” says Sara.
This has led to a shift in the food that she and her family eats as well, now they are eating healthier foods.
“I am now cooking traditional foods such as mufushwa [dried vegetables] cooked with peanut butter sauce, nhopi [a traditional dish made from a squash] and many other dishes,” says Sara.
Sara also reports that due to high yields she is selling Bambara nuts to boost her income.
“I have also received a higher yield of bambara nuts which I sell and this helps me to generate an income,” says Sara.
Talking about the future, Sara sees an increase in traditional varieties in people’s fields and plates.
“In the future we will have more organic produce in our fields and in our diet,” says Sara.