The Sunday Mail
Theseus Shambare recently in MASVINGO
FARMERS in drier regions should embrace drought-resistant traditional small grains such as sorghum and millet instead of the staple maize crop, especially in the wake of climate change-induced droughts and erratic rainfall.
“We know that climate change is indeed a reality and we basically have two options. The first option is to adapt and the other option is obviously to give up and die, but certainly, we will choose to adapt, and one of the ways to adapt to climate change is the adoption of climate-smart cropping and livestock option,” said Masvingo District Development Coordinator (DDC) Mr Roy Hove in an interview with The Sunday Mail Online.
The increased frequency of droughts has negatively impacted on rural farmers, who mostly depend on rain-fed agriculture.
However, Government, in partnership with development partners, is encouraging the adoption of agro-ecology practices.
“Agro-ecology involves the adoption of sustainable farming methods that increase yields while reducing environmental damage,” added Mr Hove.
The Masvingo community, led by Zimbabwe Smallholder Organic Farmer’s Forum (ZimSOFF), has embraced agro-ecology systems to enhance their livelihoods with the help of the Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO), an international development organisation.
VSO regional projects manager Mr Simbarashe Guzha said they are working with the marginalised communities in support of Government’s rural development thrust.
“Unlike maize, small grains can help mitigate the effects of climate change-induced droughts since they are tropically adapted plants with high water use efficiency due to their structural characteristics,” said Mr Guzha.
Despite calls to gravitate toward traditional crops for their drought-tolerant characteristics, Mr Guzha added, these crops are highly nutritious and do not require pesticides and synthetic fertilisers.
“If managed well, these crops can be produced organically, with no industrial chemicals involved. We are moving from just being climate-smart farmers and moving towards climate-resilient farming.”
Masvingo farmer Mr Amos Hunda (63) from Manyonga Village explained that he has since adopted traditional grains and organic production, which has transformed his life.
“After suffering huge losses from droughts, VSO encouraged me to abandon maize production. From 2002 to date, I have been into traditional grains (sorghum and millet) and have never known hunger.
“Above all, I have never known the prices of fertilisers or pesticides. I use compost manure to maintain soil fertility and for pest control I use an intercropping method,” said Mr Hunda.
