TSURO Trust hosts a district seed market day

Towards Sustainable Use of Resources Organisation (TSURO) Trust hosts the Chimanimbeu Seed Market Day annually. The concept was adopted by TSURO Trust in 2016 to give smallholder farmers in Chimanimani a platform to gain an income from traditional seed. TSURO Trust is one of the seven partners of the Zimbabwe Seed Sovereignty Programme (ZSSP). The ZSSP is a multi-year programme aimed at strengthening community based seed systems. Photo: Farai Gumisai / TSURO Trust

Scores of farmers, government and civil society representatives gathered in Nyanyadzi, Chimanimani district, Eastern Zimbabwe to participate in the 4th edition of the Chimanimbeu, an annual district seed market day hosted by Towards Sustainable Use of Resources Organisation (TSURO) Trust.

This year’s Chimanimbeu was held on 3 and 4 October 2019 and its overall purpose was to address seed issues in the district. Charles Mwakanheni (54), a Learning Facilitator for TSURO Trust says the Chimanimbeu facilitates the sharing and trading of diverse seeds especially after Cyclone Idai pounced on the district in March 2019.

Charles says the event attracted 250 people from 19 wards in Chimanimani district who traded 13 seed types and 64 seed varieties.

“This brings unity amongst farmers through sharing different types of seeds within different agro-ecological regions. Farmers share knowledge and experience on seed production. They increase income, food and seed security within households,” says Charles.