BY NALEDI DUBE
Farmers across Zaka, Bikita, Mwenezi, Chiredzi, Masvingo and Chivi districts embraced new knowledge and technologies through open learning days organised under the Climate Resilience Livelihoods (CRL) programme, supported by the Government of Zimbabwe, Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Speaking during one of the learning sessions, Climate and Smart Agriculture Expert for the CRL project, Dr Nelson Chanza, said the key objective was to equip farmers with climate-smart agricultural practices that could boost productivity and improve livelihoods.
“We have been working with lead farmers and follower farmers to ensure knowledge is shared widely within communities. The focus is on modern farming techniques, resilience building, and efficient use of resources,” Dr Chanza said.
Dr Chanza also revealed that the project had planned a Master Learning Event to bring together all key stakeholders in the agricultural sector. The objective, he explained, was to create a unified learning platform that will scale up the adoption of smart agricultural practices across the province.
“We want quick adoption of these practices,” Dr Chanza emphasised. “Our key message is that there are numerous climate-smart agricultural solutions available in crops, livestock production, and water conservation that can transform livelihoods if embraced.”
Beneficiaries of the project expressed gratitude for the machinery provided through the programme, which is making farm work easier and more productive. Women in savings groups from Bikita and Zaka also highlighted that the initiative has empowered them economically, reduced cases of gender-based violence, and fostered self-reliance.
The project’s facilitators included Agritex, the Meteorological Services Department, and the Department of Mechanisation. Through this collaboration, farmers learned to harness modern technologies, interpret weather patterns for better crop planning, and adopt practices that safeguard against climate shocks.