Samuel Kadungure
News Editor
THOUSANDS of rural households in Manicaland grapple with harsh environmental conditions characterised by erratic rainfall patterns, leading to prolonged droughts or unexpected floods.
These extreme weather events severely disrupt agricultural activities, making it difficult for families to rely on farming as a stable source of income.
Climate change exacerbates these challenges, altering traditional farming calendars, and making it difficult for farmers to plan planting and harvesting seasons effectively.
Limited access to financial resources means rural households often cannot invest in better farming tools or seeds.
Coupled with high poverty levels, this restricts their ability to improve agricultural productivity.
Access to essential resources and modern technology is a significant hurdle. Many farmers lack tools and knowledge to implement advanced farming techniques.
This technological gap prevents them from maximising agricultural output and adapting to changing environmental conditions.
Moreover, rural areas have limited infrastructure, making it difficult to transport goods to markets or access necessary inputs.
Rural households face a complex web of challenges that require multifaceted solutions.
Addressing these challenges involves, not only improving access to resources, but also fostering community resilience and adaptability to changing conditions.
In drier, low-lying areas of Manicaland, conserving soil and water is, not just important, but absolutely critical.
Techniques like mulching, contour ploughing, and the use of compost help retain moisture and improve soil fertility. Farmers are digging infiltration pits to capture rainwater, reduce runoff and soil erosion.
Choosing the right crops is half the battle, and traditional grains like pearl millet, sorghum, and rapoko are ideal, given their drought-resistant nature.
By diversifying crop production and promoting use of traditional grains, Manicaland farmers are reducing vulnerability to climate-related risks and improving their food and nutrition security.
Traditional grains can withstand harsh growing conditions like drought and poor soil fertility.
Rotating them with legumes, not only helps maintain soil fertility, but also reduces pest and disease cycles.
Crop diversity is key, and so is timing – planting early in the season maximises water use.
A programme is only as strong as the people behind it, and community involvement is the backbone of the Pfumvudza’s success in Manicaland. Training workshops empower farmers with knowledge and skills, ensuring that they understand and apply Pfumvudza principles effectively.
It is about creating a support system where farmers share experiences and learn from each other.
Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development, Dr Anxious Masuka, recently toured 18 plots of Pfumvudza belonging to Mrs Tambudzai Nyagwaira, of Dzvinyu Village, Ward Five, in Buhera, which proves that adhering to all aspects of Pfumvudza is key to its success.
If Pfumvudza principles are followed religiously, just like Mrs Nyagwaira, farmers stand a good chance of achieving a decent harvest, especially during periods of erratic rainfall, as the method is designed to maximise crop yields even with limited water by utilising conservation agriculture practices like proper planting basins and mulching; essentially.
In a brief to Minister Masuka, Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs, Advocate Misheck Mugadza said Manicaland has made remarkable achievements in its planting target due to Pfumvudza.
“Manicaland has exceeded its 2024/25 maize planting target, despite a false start, achieving over 273 000 hectares compared to the goal of 265 000 hectares. This accomplishment is largely attributed to the effective implementation of Pfumvudza principles, which focus on smallholder farmers maximising their yields through conservation agriculture practices. Farmers in the province have embraced these practices, leading to increased productivity and food security. Manicaland achieved 1 611 000 plots against an initial target of 1 311 141 plots. About 380 000 smallholder farmers were given free seed maize, 113 200 were given sorghum, 412 800 were given basal fertiliser and 130 100 were given top-dressing fertiliser, while more are set to get their share.
“Pfumvudza has become a game-changer for many rural families in Manicaland, especially those living in the drier, low-lying areas. We can only have hunger when there is no rain at all. It is all about using what you have wisely and making sure every drop of water counts. Pfumvudza is, not just a farming method – it is a community movement. By working together, farmers in Buhera and Manicaland at large can overcome the challenges of their environment and build a sustainable future.
“Pfumvudza is, not just about farming; it is about transforming lives and communities. With dedication and the right support, success is within reach for every farmer in the province,” said Minister Mugadza.
Pfumvudza is a home grown initiative launched in 2020 in response to the challenges faced by smallholder farmers in the country, particularly those in drought-prone areas. It focuses on small-scale farming techniques that can make a big difference if done right.
By sticking to its principles, farmers can boost their yields and improve their lives. Its roots are deeply embedded in traditional farming practices, but it incorporates modern techniques to improve efficiency and yield.
At its heart, Pfumvudza focuses on conservation agriculture – minimal soil disturbance, permanent soil cover, and crop rotation – to enhance soil fertility and moisture retention, which are critical in the province’s drier regions.
This is, not just about growing more food; but giving people the tools they need to thrive in tough conditions.
Its impact on rural agriculture has been profound – enabling smallholder farmers to achieve higher yields even in adverse weather conditions.
It has, not only improved food security, but also empowered farmers by equipping them with necessary skills and resources to thrive.
As a result, many rural households have seen a reduction in poverty levels and improvement in their overall quality of life.
“We have seen here what Pfumvudza can do. There are 18 plots, and this farmer is achieving seven tonnes per hectare, which shows that even in rural areas farming can be a business if Pfumvudza principles are followed diligently. We are happy that Manicaland has achieved over 273 000 hectares of maize, while other farmers have planted traditional grains. If this wet spell continues, surely we will attain national food security this season,” said Minister Masuka.
The journey of Pfumvudza in Manicaland has taught us several key lessons – consistency is key.
Regular training sessions and follow-ups with farmers ensure that they stay on track with recommended practices, while community engagement in decision-making processes boosts morale and ownership of the programme.
Also, proper and timeous distribution of inputs – seeds, fertilisers and chemicals – is crucial for maintaining momentum and achieving targets.
The future of Pfumvudza is promising, especially with increased backing and efforts of Government, development partners, farmers and technology innovators – who together can transform the agricultural landscape and secure a better future for rural households.
Technology is playing a pivotal role in transforming Pfumvudza in Manicaland, where integration of modern tools and techniques is enhancing the programme’s effectiveness.
Notable advancements include use of mobile apps to provide farmers with real-time weather updates and farming tips; introduction of drought-resistant crop varieties; implementation of solar-powered irrigation systems to conserve water in arid areas and establishment of tools and machinery to prepare planting basins, significantly reducing time and labour.
Previously, establishment of Pfumvudza plots was characterised by strenuous labour of digging planting basins, but under the new initiative, fuel-powered basin diggers are being used to ameliorate land preparation.
The mechanisation programme has benefitted 150 service providers and nearly 22 500 smallholder farmers in Manicaland.
Under the initiative, farmers have access to essential services like land preparation, transportation, grinding, shelling, threshing, and processing, thereby alleviating the drudgery traditionally associated with manual labour.
The voices of those who live this new Pfumvudza experience daily are invaluable.
Mrs Nyagwaira, who went out of her way to ensure that her crop survives the dry spell, by irrigating it using drums, is optimistic of a bumper harvest.
“This is my fifth year since embracing Pfumvudza. This season, I prepared 18 plots, six more from the 12 plots I had last season. Last season, I produced seven tonnes of maize per plot. This season there was erratic rains, and I would fetch water with drums to irrigate my crops,” she said.
Mrs Joyline Rumhungwe said the mechanisation activity has transformed their livelihoods.
“Mechanisation of our agriculture activities has eased food production. We used to dig holes planting basins for Pfumvudza manually, but we have been assisted to acquire a basin digger machine. Things have drastically improved, not only for us, but the community, which is now hiring the machine to prepare their planting plots. It is, not just about growing more, but it is about growing better,” she explained.
Veteran agronomist and Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) board chairman, Mr Ivan Craig commended Mrs Nyagwaira for following agronomic best practices like crop rotation.
“We are experiencing good rains here in Buhera, and have noted that the host farmer (Mrs Nyagwaira) has a good crop. She practices crop rotation where she planted ground nuts, sweet potatoes and maize, among other crops. This is important to improving soil fertility and breaking pest and disease cycles,” he said
