SAMUEL NJINGA
Nearly 1,000 farmers from across Zaka District gathered on Friday at the Saul Ariyamere Homestead in Ward 7 to participate in a Traditional Grains Field Day, a vibrant showcase of indigenous farming knowledge and climate smart agriculture.
The event, held under the guidance of the Ministry of Agriculture, drew widespread attention as smallholder farmers exhibited a variety of traditional grain crops including rapoko, sorghum, and millet crops that are increasingly gaining prominence in Zimbabwe’s fight against climate change and food insecurity.
Zaka District Agritex Officer Kennedy Pedzisai, who was the Guest of Honour, applauded the farmers for their resilience and commitment to sustainable agriculture in the face of erratic rainfall patterns and shifting weather conditions.
“In the wake of climate change, traditional grains are no longer an option they are a necessity,” said Pedzisai. “These crops are drought-tolerant, nutritious, and well suited for our agro-ecological regions. I urge you all to continue on this path and to expand production for both household food security and market opportunities.”
Pedzisai emphasised that agro-ecological matching is now the guiding principle, and traditional grains are perfectly suited for local conditions. “Traditional grains production is key,” he noted. “They are drought tolerant and vital for nutritional purposes, as they are encouraged by doctors for healthy diets.”
He further encouraged farmers to take the Pfumvudza programme seriously, calling it a game-changer in communal areas where it has led to increased yields and improved productivity. Pedzisai also highlighted the importance of value addition, urging farmers to explore processing opportunities to ensure traditional grains remain a priority cereal for food security.
“Traditional grains also go hand-in-hand with livestock, especially small stock like poultry, goats, and sheep,” Pedzisai said. “These provide the much needed relish and are a source of income generation.” He advised farmers to conserve hay and silage for supplementary feeding during dry periods and to adopt urea treatment of stover, a cost effective and accessible method for improving livestock feed.
In addition, he encouraged farmers to participate in agricultural shows at area, district, provincial, and national levels to showcase their crop varieties and innovations.
The highlight of the day was the exemplary work of local farmer and host, Saul Ariyamere, who was recognised as the overall winner of the field competition for his exceptional rapoko crop. Ariyamere demonstrated not only the techniques used in cultivating rapoko but also shared critical insights on soil preparation, seed selection, and moisture retention.
“For a good rapoko yield, early land preparation is essential,” Ariyamere explained. “I make sure my fields are cleared and tilled before the first rains. Timely weeding and the use of organic manure have also played a big role in my success.”
Fellow farmers praised the educational value of the event. Johnson Makuvire, a farmer in the same area, said the demonstrations had opened his eyes to new methods of preserving moisture and boosting yields.
“I used to struggle with poor harvests, but now I know how to space my plants properly and use mulch to retain water in the soil,” he said.
Another attendee, Augustin Tivakudze, added: “The host did his best to send a message to us as farmers. I learnt a lot with regards to the spacing requirements for rapoko. What stood outstanding for me is how traditional knowledge and modern techniques can be combined. I’m leaving here with more confidence and a better understanding of how to adapt to this changing climate.”
With climate change increasingly threatening food production, events like these are proving crucial in equipping rural farmers with the knowledge and tools to thrive in a changing environment.