Bernard Ndlera (34) a smallholder farmer working with Mwenezi Development Trust Centre (MDTC), has shifted to diversified farming in a bid to reduce biodiversity loss and restore nature. Bernard says he has a garden where he grows different types of crops.
“I started diversified farming in 2018. I grow different types of (leafy green) vegetables, tomatoes, onions and beans. I also have different types of trees which includes mango, nartjies, lemon and peaches trees. I have a small patch of sugarcane in the garden where I have done gulley reclamation,” says Bernard.
Bernard says growing sugarcane helped to control soil erosion.
“Soil erosion had created a gulley. In order to stop the damage, I refilled the gully and planted sugarcane to hold the soil and reduce the flow of running water after heavy rains,” says Bernard.
Bernard adds that he provides supplementary water to his crops from Domboshava dam in Mwenezi. He uses solar energy to pump the water to his garden.
“Using solar energy to pump water has helped me to grow crops throughout the year. This increases productivity and I sell more produce at the local markets. This has significantly improved my financial status,” says Bernard.
“The need for sustainable income generation pushed me to start this gardening project. Before I ventured into gardening, I struggled to get money for my children’s school fees or for the grinding meal,” adds Bernard.
From his garden, Bernard produces vegetables that he sells to other villagers. He charges five South African Rand for one bundle of leafy green vegetable.
“Every month I earn approximately 200 Rands. I use the money to pay school fees for the primary school children and to pay for the grinding mill services, ” says Bernard. “I prefer garden farming because it is an all year-round project,” explains Bernard.
Bernard attributes his success to the financial and technical support that he received from Mwenezi Development Trust Centre.
“Mwenezi Development Trust Centre and the World Food Programme (WFP) supported me financially and also with knowledge and skills to do garden farming. I got seeds from PELUM Zimbabwe and WFP,” says Bernard.
Emilda Chinoda (34), a Mwenezi Development Trust Centre field officer working with farmers on nutrition gardens says they are working with farmers on three gardens in ward 6 and ward 10.
“We are helping farmers by providing technical support. Currently we are supporting three nutritional gardens in wards 6, and ward 10 reaching a total of 349 smallholder farmers,” says Emilda.
Emilda says smallholder farmers like Bernard are currently facing challenges as a result of the COVID-19 related restrictions.
Smallholder farmers are facing challenges induced by COVID-19 travel restrictions. Farmers sell their produce door to door. The restrictions have reduced their sales since they are selling at the gardens only,” says Emilda.
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