Cultivating Change: Muzarabani Farmer’s Journey of Excellence

By Regina Pasipanodya

In the rural village of Chidaushe, in Utete Ward 19 Ephraim Mugonewa’s happiness was tangible, his wives flashing the biggest smiles. He had just been awarded the title of best farmer for sorghum seed production during the recently held field day in Utete Ward 19, in Muzarabani, Mashonaland Central province in Zimbabwe.

His farm is known as the best in sorghum and cowpeas production as he managed to scoop the best farmer prize two years in a row.

He attributes his success to the untiring support of his two wives who have been the biggest part of his success as the best farmer in the community.

“They have encouraged me and helped me along the way,” he says gratefully.
Not only has his third-year seed farming project provided hope to his neighbourhood, but it has also encouraged others how to do the same.
Within his 4.5-hectare farmland, Mugonewa is a living testament to his expertise. This year he expects his yields at between 2.5 and 3 tonnes per hectare, which will pay him USD500 per tonne for his pre-basic seed. Having raked in USD430 per tonne for his basic seed production last year, he is optimistic about continuing to break barriers.

Mugonewa’s success is not leaving a growing swathe of his farm. His children have access to education, and his family no longer suffers from food insecurity.
“Farming has changed the game for us despite coming from lower Muzarabani one of the areas in Zimbabwe experiencing poor rain patterns,” he says, his eyes bright with pride.

Lower Muzarabani has a semi-arid climate, with high temperatures and low rainfall. The area typically endures long stretches of dry weather, leading to drought conditions.
But its rich soil and warm climate are perfect for growing crops that resist drought, such as sorghum, millet and cowpeas.

Seasonal rains are limited but important for agricultural activities, while the risk of flooding in the area from heavy rains is a constraint for smallholder farmers. The agriculture and crops of the region have been influenced by its climatic conditions, with an emphasis on resilience and adaptability.

The Grain Swap Initiative

However, the grain swap initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development through the Grain Marketing Board has transformed Mugonewa’s participation in farming.

This new initiative will incentivise farmers to focus on crops that excel in their area, whilst allowing them to barter with their harvest for other varieties of grain.

For Mugonewa, this has been a godsend. “Now, I can continue producing quality seed and help ensure food security at home,” he added.

The program has revolutionised rural agriculture so that farmers such as Mugonewa not only grow quality seeds but also increase their productivity.
With aid from the Ministry and Farmbiz, Director of Farmbiz Misheck Maravanyika explains how they select farmers to work with.

“Since 2020 we have been partnering with different community groups and identifying farmers that are willing to work with us as contract farmers producing the seeds producing a variety of seeds,” he explains.

“However, it is important to understand that seed farming is different from any other commercial farming because the seed must not be mixed with any other variety, that is why we select a committee that would help us in selecting farmers that they know will be able to pull through in seed production.”

“For example, in Muzarabani we are contracting the production of SV4 sorghum, cowpeas, pale millet and velvet bean. These were the varieties that have been performing well in this region as we are promoting people to focus on grains that perform well in their region,” added Maravanyika.

The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Professor Obert Jiri commends Mugonewa’s development, noting: “This program has revolutionized rural agriculture and enabled farmers like him to not only produce quality seeds but improve their quality of life.”

This is a challenge to other community members, to adapt the available farm mechanisation initiatives like the Pfumvudza programme for food security.

“Communities should understand their environment and grow crops that can do well in their area. With the support from the swapping initiatives, it is even better that farmers can exchange their produce at a GMB for any grain of their choice,” said Professor Jiri.

He however urged contract companies to come up with minimum input packages to give to farmers.

“There should include the seed, fertilisers and chemicals making up that package because, in areas without good soils, it will be difficult to produce good yields.”

A Ripple Effect of Hope.

Mugonewa’s story is inspired not just by an individual but the power of hope and development that’s leaking all through his grassroots community. His story inspires many to believe that with hard work and understanding the available agriculture programs that perform well in one’s area.