Livestock reared on self-sufficient homesteads in Masvingo province, southern Zimbabwe is helping small-scale farmers to increase food and nutrition security and reduce waste, pests and diseases.
Febbina Komich (77), one of the small-scale farmers working with PELUM Zimbabwe member, Mwenezi Development Training Centre, is rearing chickens, goats and sheep for multiple benefits.
“I get sufficient meat, eggs and milk for household consumption. I also get manure which I use to improve soil fertility,” says Febbina. “Rearing small livestock has also reduced my concerns on how animals are treated, fed, maintained and harvested for human consumption,” she adds.
Febbina sells surplus produce and livestock to augment her income. She uses this additional income to buy other food items that she cannot produce on her own. This, she says diversifies her diet and increases food and nutrition security for her family.
Nerita Muzango (29), a small-scale farmer working with Chinyika Community Development Trust in Gutu district says livestock production enables her to improve soil fertility.
“I use animal waste to make bio-fertilizers. I also apply the manure directly to the soils to improve its fertility and structure. This provides the required nutrients for plant growth and improves the water holding capacity for soils,” she says.
Promise Makoni (50) is the Director of Mwenezi Development Training Center. Promise says her organization is supporting small-scale farmers to integrate livestock and crop production in order to strengthen household nutrition.
“Through provision of trainings and support to farmers, there is evidence of high crop and livestock production which has translated to improved nutrition at household level. Farmers get meat for consumption and manure for their crops as well,” says Promise.