Weaving the basket of life in rural areas continues to be a challenge. Many communities are weak because they have forgotten how to harmoniously relate to each other and to their surroundings. The disease of separation is weakening the spirt of togetherness and threatening other life forms. But some individuals in Chimanimani district located south-east of Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare are beginning to remember the spirit of togetherness and unity.
Esthery Mukoya (54) is a smallholder farmer from Chimanimani district who is playing her part to heal her community. Esthery’s confidence to grow, save and exchange seed came through working with TSURO Trust and other farmers under the Zimbabwe Seed Sovereignty Programme. She says seed work unites the community.
“It’s not me alone who has benefited from this work. My neighbors and my community have benefited too.,” says Esthery.
Esthery says being a seed custodian has led her to have more friends in her community. “I now have more friends through seed sharing,” she says.
Esthery’s says working with seed has enabled her to look after her family and this has inspired other farmers to also grow, save and exchange traditional seed.
Growing, saving and exchanging seed is one of the inherited ancestral duties which Esthery happily participates in.
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