Nyarai Dzimba (pictured below) is one of our recently graduated Diploma in Agroecology students. She works as an agriculture extension worker in Mapako, Nyanga. For a couple of years now, she has been working with smallholder farming communities in her area of operation to champion the agroecology transition. Recently, Nyarai coordinated a wonderful Ward Garden Day at Tarangarirwa Nutrition Garden in Ward 18, Nyanga District.
After graduating last year, Dzimba has taken it upon herself to implement and impart AE knowledge to smallholder farming communities around Mapako area.
Agroecology is currently a burning topical issue in Zimbabwe, and around the world. The adoption of the concept may seem slower than we anticipate but some laudable strides towards the advancement of agroecology have been made. Extension officers like Nyarai are demonstrating how the concept is gradually scaling up, especially in the rural communities of Zimbabwe.
Dzimba has, for the past few years, worked with rural smallholder farmers in Mapako. She facilitated the gradual shift of 6 nutritional gardens in her ward from chemical-based to permaculture-based gardening.
“Working with these farmers has been quite a remarkable journey that I think is worth telling simply because I feel that transitioning from conventional to organic farming is not easy. It’s something that requires commitment, willingness, and some deeper understanding of how the system works”.
“I am humbled by the positive feedback and results that I get from the farmers I am working with in this shift from chemical-based farming to agroecology. Each year has had its own distinct noticeable changes and lessons so far. That is why we decided to continue to conduct (Ward) Garden Day commemorations to keep on reigniting the spirit of learning from each other”, said Nyarai Dzimba.
Since 2018, farmers in Mapako have been gathering annually to conduct the Ward Garden Day commemorations. As part of the commemorations, the voted best garden usually wins a prize. During this year’s celebrations, Tarangarirwa Nutritional Garden Group were voted the nutritional garden of the year.
Tarangarirwa Nutritional Garden Group Chairperson Netsai Dodzo was so excited to take home the first-place prize. The group were also privileged and honored to host the Ward Garden Day celebrations to allow peer-to-peer learning whilst touring the garden.
“The Garden Day has become an annual event in ward 18, we are so excited that this year Tarangarirwa Nutritional Garden Group emerged as this year’s winners.
“Many thanks to Mrs. Dzimba for teaching us about agroecology. Today we stand with pride and testify to our success as a result of adopting agroecology farming practices.” Said Dodzo.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Ward 18 Councilor Mr. Rutendo Tsvai was humbled by the efforts being put in trying to improve the farmers’ livelihoods through sustainable agriculture. He acknowledged that such efforts are in line with the government of Zimbabwe’s position of leaving no one and no place behind.
“I am so humbled by the efforts, time and knowledge that Nyarai Dzimba is investing in these farmers, just to uplift their livelihoods”.
“Today we celebrate the success of Tarangarirwa Nutritional Garden, and we hope that all the other 5 gardens within this ward reach this level. By achieving that, we can guarantee food security and food sovereignty for everyone in our ward”, Said Councilor Tsvai.
The Ward Garden Day celebrations were attended by representatives from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Department of Veterinary Services, AGRITEX Officers from other neighbouring wards, Local as well as Traditional Leaders to mention but a few.
