2. AGROECOLOGY NEWS A Resource centre for Permaculture and other Sustainable Technologies NATIONAL AGROECOLOGY POLICY NOW IMPLEMENTABLE Fambidzanai Permaculture Centre(FPC) Director, Mr. Lewis Kudzanai Mashingaidze handed over the draft agroecology policy document to the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Prof. Obert Jiri for signing. A consortium of development partners led by Fambidzanai Permaculture Centre, supported the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development in the development of the National Agroecology Policy. The policy development process started in 2020, but due to the negative effects of the COVID-19 and a lapse in funding, the policy development process came to an abrupt halt. Realising the importance of this policy, like-minded partners once again came together to reignite the process. Through support from Trocaire, Zilan Trust, Action Aid Zimbabwe, Voluntary Service Overseas (VS0), DanChurchAid, PELUM Zimbabwe, CAFP, and ADRA, the development of the policy has been concluded and currently awaits cabinet approval. Key government ministry departments involved were the Strategic Planning and Business Development Directorate, Agricultural Rural Development and Advisory Services (ARDAS), Agriculture Research Innovation Development Directorate (ARID) and Veterinary Services Directorate. It is our hope as FPC that the policy will contribute to the impactful transformation of the agriculture sector and ensure food security, everywhere, every day. By Justice Ncube FPC Director, Mr. Mashingaidze handing over the draft agroecology policy document to the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Prof. Obert Jiri for signing. FPC Director, Mr. Mashingaidze and The permanent secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Prof. Obert Jiri possing for a picture with the signed draft Agroecology Policy Document.
AGROECOLOGY NEWS 3. A Resource centre for Permaculture and other Sustainable Technologies By Tungamirai Mashandure 47 STUDENTS GRADUATE AT FPC’S THIRD GRADUATION CEREMONY The Bindura University of Science Education (BUSE) continues to work together with Fambidzanai Permaculture Centre in promoting agroecology education and extension across Zimbabwe. Through the programme, three streams of more than 30 students each have managed to graduate with a diploma in agroecology. 70-80% of the graduates have been our local agriculture extension officers. On the 1 st of December 2023, Fambidzanai conducted the third graduation ceremony at the FPC farm. A total of 47 students graduated on this day. Running under the theme, “Promoting and Strengthening Agroecology Education and Extension in Zimbabwe”, the graduation ceremony was officiated by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri. Dean in the Faculty of Agriculture and Environment Science at Bindura University of Science Education (BUSE) Professor Johnson Masaka, the FPC Board of Trustees, government officials, local traditional leaders and other dignitaries also managed to grace the colourful event. FPC Director, Mr. Mashingaidze and The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Prof. Obert Jiri following proceedings at the 2023 Graduation Ceremony. FPC Director, Mr. L K Mashingaidze, The Permanent secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Prof. Obert and The BUSE Dean of The Faculty of Agriculture and Enviromental Science Professor Johnson Masaka handing over the Diploma to a Graduate . Parents and graduands following proceedings at the 2023 Graduation Ceremony Graduands following proceedings at the 2023 Graduation Ceremony
4. AGROECOLOGY NEWS A Resource centre for Permaculture and other Sustainable Technologies CLIMATE JUSTICE FOR MBIRE In December, a series of devastating thunderstorms hit one of the districts that we are working in, Mbire. The harsh thunderstorms destroyed crops, homes, and livelihoods of many people, especially those who live in Ward 2 and 11. ActionAid Zimbabwe, a partner whom we work with in this area played a very pivotal role in the mitigation of this disaster. AAZ provided humanitarian assistance to the affected communities, such as basic food stuffs, and building materials. We shall continue to work together with such like-minded organisations and continue to urge and support the smallholder farming communities to adopt agroecological practices. Some of these include planting trees, diversifying crops, and conserving soil and water, to enhance their resilience and productivity. We cannot do this alone! Join us in amplifying the voices of the smallholder farmers and demand climate justice from the governments and corporations that are responsible for the climate crisis. Join us in calling for more investment in climate-smart agriculture, better policies and regulations, and fair compensation for the losses and damage caused by our greatest enemy, climate change. Together, we can ensure that smallholder farmers in Mbire and beyond can overcome the challenges of climate change and secure their rights to land, natural resources, and sustainable development. By Justice Ncube Mbire residents receiving food aid from Fambidzanai Permaculture Centre Some of the houses destroyed by the thunderstorm. Some of the houses destroyed by the thunderstorm. Some of the houses destroyed by the thunderstorm.
AGROECOLOGY NEWS 5. A Resource centre for Permaculture and other Sustainable Technologies TONGOGARA REFUGEE CAMP RESIDENTS ADAPT TO WICKING BEDS IN THE FACE OF WATER CHALLENGES Wicking beds have proved to be an efficient way of farming especially in the scorching heat of the Lowveld middle Sabi region where Tongogara Refugee Camp lies. Gardening in the camp is very difficult due to water shortages. Ideally, the reason for using wicking beds over conventional garden beds is because wicking beds use lesser water and retain moisture longer. Wicking beds supply the plants with moisture from a water reservoir below through capillary action. The Tongogara Refugee Camp (TRC) residents have welcomed the wicking beds project as an alternative way of vegetable production to improve their food and nutrition security. Wicking beds now allow them to grow and cook their own food. Since the inception of the wicking beds project at the TRC; residents have excitedly adopted the innovation. Over 12 families have made their own wicking beds at their houses and another ten more who recently received materials are expected to add to the list. Over the past few months, the residents planted vegetables like covo, rape, tsunga and tomatoes. The wicking beds have played a huge role in water conservation. Instead of watering twice or thrice a week, with wicking beds, residents have been watering once a week. Wicking beds are an effective way of reusing grey water. RE-Alliance, our partner organisation has played an enormous role in promoting this initiative. Through their support, FPC managed to procure wicking bed making materials like PVC pipes, polythene plastic, elbows, and other materials for the TRC residents. The residents also received wicking bed making guides that were written in both English and KiSwahili, the widely used language in the camp. For basic knowledge on soil fertility management, the residents also received more than 40 soil fertility management manuals. To hear more on what the residents said, you can visit our YouTube channel @Fambidzanai Permaculture Centre and watch the video about this initiative. By Tungamirai Mashandure Transformative Innovation Hub representatives showing off the soil fertility and Wicking Beds Guide booklets Tongogara Refugee Camp possing for a photo while they are receiving seedlings for the wicking beds Transformative Innovation Hub representatives showing off the Wicking Beds extra material from FPC Tongogara Refugee Camp residents constructing their wicking beds Some of the Wicking Beds by the Tongogara Refugee Camp Residents
6. AGROECOLOGY NEWS A Resource centre for Permaculture and other Sustainable Technologies AGROECOLOGY IN PRACTICE - A VISIT TO THE SHASHE HOUSEHOLD CENTRES OF EXCELLENCE Agroecology is built under various pillars that are called Principles of Agroecology, namely Care and fairness, Diversity, food sovereignty, equality, connectivity of elements, agroforestry and to mention just but a few. Shashe Agroecology School has to the best of their ability tried to capture most of these principles in their day to day practices of Agroecology. Located just about 50km away from Masvingo Central Business District, Shashe School of Agroecology has embraced going 100% organic throughout their farming activities challenging the Fambidzanai Permaculture Centre School of Agroecology Students to also implement Agroecological principles in their districts and homesteads. The visit was mostly based on tours were the local farmers took the students through their Agroecological practices namely Water harvesting, fish ponds, livestock, gardens, small grain fields, orchards, seed banks and their history archives. Speaking during the tours, Mr. Peter Mudzingwa was of the view that, to them there is nothing called waste as everything has its own use that benefits the next. “There is nothing called waste, everything has its own use somewhere, be it chicken waste, it can be used to feed the fish in our ponds, kitchen waste can also be used to feed pigs. Pig, goat, cow and chicken waste can also be used as manure in our gardens showing that everything is equally important,” Said Mr. Mudzingwa. Farmers in Shashe now have food sovereignty and food security as everything they want to eat is locally available in their community and as a result they use less money and sometimes get more income through selling of their field products. Gogo Mavedzenge, one of the Agroecology farmers in Shashe highlighted that in Agroecology a farmer has to use less money especially for inputs as they have to use the locally available resources but get more income through farming “We do not necessarily have to be buying everything we need to use in our fields, we try as much as we can to minimize the cost of production by using the locally available resources as inputs like manure, organic matter (Murakwani), Chicken waste as fish feed and others just to cut costs and in the process guaranteeing organic and healthy food for our families. “Agroecology on its own has to generate income for the farmer as there would be a variety of products to sell in the market, ranging from fruits, fresh vegetables, roadrunner chickens, goats, small grains and others,” She said. FPC School of Agroecology Students were challenged by what they saw at Shashe Agroecology School and pledged to become Ambassadors of Agroecology in their districts of operation as well as their households. “We have been highly motivated to become ambassadors of Agroecology because what we have seen here is par-excellent, a perfect practical learning field for all those studying towards Agroecology, no wonder why they have called them Households Centres of Excellence.” Said Richard Mhazo one of the FPC students. Previous Chabuda, another FPC student was also of the view that it was clearly demonstrated that even in the face of El Nino, small grains still stand a chance with that little rainfall that was received in this area. “Small grains still stand a chance even in the face of El Nino because they can withstand these harsh conditions and can survive even if there is low rainfall, unlike maize that requires more rainfall. This is a great lesson that we have learnt here in Shashe and we should just revert back to our old ways of producing small grains.” She said. The Shashe Agroecology School visit was indeed a success as a lot was learnt from these Household Centres of Excellence and the information imparted on the students will definitely be carried to other districts they operate in and implement them. By Tungamirai Mashandure FPC Agroecology students touring fish ponds at Mr. Mudzingwa’s homestead FPC Agroecology students possing for a picture at the Shashe Agroecology School centre FPC Agroecology students listening to the tour guide at one of the centres of excellence in Shashe One of the FPC Agroecology students looking at seeds in the seed bank
AGROECOLOGY NEWS 7. A Resource centre for Permaculture and other Sustainable Technologies VISITORS FROM UGANDA TOUR FPC Fambidzanai Permaculture Centre (FPC) had the privilege of receiving visitors from the Climate Smart Jobs – Uganda (CSJ) and other Private Sector Companies as they tour Zimbabwe in a quest to learn how Zimbabwean smallholder farmers are contributing to Climate Smart Agriculture as well as to learn what can be done regarding the promotion of conservation mechanisation and green post-harvest handling services for smallholder farmers among others. Climate Smart Jobs – Uganda is a transformative initiative aimed at revolutionizing the agribusiness sector in Northern Uganda, the programme focuses on creating resilient and sustainable on-farm and off-farm job opportunities. During their tour, the CSJ representatives appreciated how much FPC is demonstrating agroecology based farming, the fertile soil that yields an array of vegetables, showcasing sustainable agricultural practices, a range of canopy of trees, both indigenous and introduced that provide sustenance and biodiversity and the fragrant herbs, offering not only cooking delights but also natural remedies. By Tungamirai Mashandure Business Development Team Leader Mr. Charova explaining to the visitors more on the herbs Business Development Team Leader Mr. Charova showing to the visitors the drip irrigation. Business Development Team Leader Mr. Charova showing to the visitorshow to make Bocashi Compost Business Development Team Leader Mr. Charova showing to the visitors the drip irrigation. Business Development Leader during the tour
8. AGROECOLOGY NEWS A Resource centre for Permaculture and other Sustainable Technologies PARTICIPATORY ACTION RESEARCH: GAME-CHANGER IN GOROMONZI’S SEARCH FOR SOLUTIONS TO FOOD INSECURITY. The effects of the El Nino-induced droughts continue to plunge Zimbabwe into intense food insecurity and the Goromonzi district has not been spared. The droughts have intensified the battle with persistent food insecurity and poverty in the area. Amidst the crisis, participatory action research (PAR) has emerged as one of the recommended transformative approaches that communities are urged to employ in dealing with contextual problems affecting their food systems. What Is Participatory Action Research? Loosely, PAR is a dynamic process that involves collaboration, community engagement, and actionable change. Through support from WFD and PELUM Zimbabwe, Fambidzanai is conducting a participatory research exercise that seeks to unpack all forms (complex and plain) of causes of food insecurity and poverty in Goromonzi. As part of the programme, ten smallholder traditional grain farmers were selected to form an action learning group that was going to take a lead in co-identifying root causes of hunger and poverty, as well as co-finding solutions to deal with these problems. Local community leaders, entrepreneurs, and government stakeholders were actively engaged in this programme. Their voices matter so much and have been very crucial in shaping our research agenda. The PAR process isn’t much about academic papers but tangible solutions. We strongly believe that smallholder farmers in Goromonzi hold valuable insights. Through live discussions characterised by active participation in a relaxed environment, the PAR process has allowed us to tap into the participants’ wisdom and explore their homegrown (collaborative) efforts that communities can employ to uncover underlying issues that are causing hunger and poverty in the area. During the discussions, it emerged that, water and seed challenges have been the main cause of food insecurity and poverty in the area because they have in the recent past hugely affected agricultural performance. With agriculture being the people’s main source of livelihood; its underperformance, hence, enormously contributes to food shortages and lack of income. Tapping underground water to revive allyear round agricultural activity was one of the possible solutions that also came out during the discussions. Farmers also agreed to encourage sharing and exchange of traditional seed as one of the solutions to seed shortages. A short video containing all the farmers’ and the local stakeholders’ views on the causes and solutions of hunger and poverty is currently being produced by Fambidzanai Permaculture Centre. PAR isn’t just research; it’s a movement. By co-identifying causes and co-creating solutions, Goromonzi can break free from the chains of food insecurity and poverty. Let’s engage and empower communities together, one action at a time. By Justice Ncube Goromonzi Farmers during a Participatory Action Research workshop Goromonzi Farmers during a Participatory Action Research workshop Goromonzi Farmers during a Participatory video making workshop
AGROECOLOGY NEWS 9.