The use of microbial consortia in agriculture systems is yielding generational benefits for smallholder farmers at a time when climate change is ravaging agriculture in many parts of the world. Unlike chemical based solutions, using microbial consortia mimics natural ecosystem processes, thereby promoting biodiversity and strengthening resilience.
Patricia Mazungunye (40) from Chakohwa village in Chimanimani District says before adopting microbial consortia, her farming operations had almost ground to a halt because of the devastating effects of climate change.
“Synthetic fertilizers had destroyed my crop fields leading to reduced yields. I am now using using biopesticides and biofertilisers and I have observed that this is different and more sustainable. Unlike synthetic chemicals, organic matter does not kill crops or animals or leave harmful chemical traces that might threaten other plants or human life,” says Patricia.
Patricia says using biopesticides and biofertilisers on her tree nurseries and crops has greatly improved the quality and diversity of plants in her homestead.
“Using biofertilisers has enabled me to grow diverse crops. The quality and variety of the crops I grow has improved greatly,” she says.
Roseline Mukonoweshuro (50), Programme Officer for Towards Sustainable Use of Resources Organisation (TSURO) Trust says using organic methods of pest control and supplementing plant nutrition is beneficial as they are environmentally friendly and can be an effective way of promoting biodiversity.
“We have been working with farmers from different organisations with the aim of teaching them how to make and effectively use biofertilisers and biopesticides. Biofertilisers and biopesticides contain microbes that are critical in promoting biodiversity and plant growth. This promotes environmental protection and builds sustainability for smallholder farmers,” says Roseline.
Itai Masukume (41), a Field Officer for Mwenezi Development Training Centre (MDTC) says farmers should adopt the use of microbial consortia as it can be a mechanism for restoring degraded forests and farmlands.
“Small livestock produce very nutritious droppings which when used in the making of biofertilisers and biopesticides is very effective. When applied on the soil, these biofertilisers and biopesticides support and promote the growth of diverse plant species and farmers are therefore encouraged to make use of this knowledge,” says Itai.