Fambidzanai Permaculture Centre’s (FPC) former Diploma in Agroecology student, Nyasha Gonde shined as she scooped the Overall Best Extension Officer Award at the just-ended Zimbabwe Agricultural Show.
Having graduated as the Best Female Student and Best Practicing Students Awards at the FPC 2023 graduation ceremony, Nyasha Gonde has demonstrated her academic aptitude and practical prowess which earned her the recognition she deserved.
Today we join her in celebrating the national recognition brewed from her eloquent work in her area of operation.
Recently she organized and hosted a self-funded 2-day Zonal Agricultural Show which created a platform for more than 100 farmers to interact and cross- pollinate agroecological knowledge.
Such gatherings have served as a point of reference to the good work that Gonde is doing as an Extension Officer, her passion to impact her community, her commitment and sense of purpose has aided her recognition in winning the Nation Award.
“I am more than grateful to FPC for awarding me the opportunity to be part of the Diploma in Agroecology programme which made my work easier.
“The recognition I got today is definitely coming from the agroecological practices that we are implementing together with the small holder farmers in Mhondoro-Ngezi,” Said Gonde.
Having brought innovative initiatives that have positively impacted her community, Gonde has been taking a pivotal role in influencing agroecology implementation by working hand in glove with the farmers.
Other nationally recognized activities such as the Provincial Pfumvudza Field Day, officiated by the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Honorable Anxious . J. Masuka and the Provincial Agriculture Show for SHE where she hosted the First Lady Amai Dr. Auxillia Munangagwa showed her capacity to work effectively to empower women through sustainable agricultural practices and value addition, thus she deserves the national recognition.
Mhondoro-Ngezi Member of Parliament, Honorable Tavengwa Mukuhlani commended Gonde’s work and extended his gratitude to the impact that she has made in his constituency.
“Nyasha’s impact extends beyond her technical expertise. She has fostered a sense of community and inclusivity, working closely with local leaders, farmers, and stakeholders to address pressing issues and celebrate successes,” He said.
FPC School of Agroecology Team leader Mr. Sherpard Mudzingwa appreciated the recognition of the former student and encouraged more Extension Officers to enroll with FPC and continue to impact communities positively.
“We are excited to have such a prestigous award being given to one of our former students. To us we are celebrating with her the impact of the skills and agroecology knowleldge she gained from her formal training and used effectively with smallholder farmers she works with.
“We believe our curriculum is the best in our context for Extension Officers and its expansion has potential to turn around the whole agriculture system for the better and sustainable farming.
“We encourage Extension Officers to enroll for this carrer transforming opportunity from agroecology training to foster for a greater impact at national level,” Said Mudzingwa.
Many thanks to the education she attained from Fambidzanai Permaculture Centre in affiliation with Bindura University of Science Education as her journey has amplified a narrative of empowerment and development which demonstrates how much one’s dedication to Agroecology can sow a seed for the future where people can thrive in harmony with the environment.
