New Fertilizer, New Seed, Bumper Harvest for Makoni Small-holder Farmer

By Shingirai Vambe

In a groundbreaking initiative, Practical Action has embarked on a regenerative agricultural journey in Manicaland’s Makoni District and Mutasa, Zimbabwe. This innovative approach aims to complement the government’s efforts in promoting sustainable agriculture practices. The project is being implemented in collaboration with Africa University and Genesis, a renowned organic fertilizer manufacturer.

Recently, over 150 smallholder farmers from Ward 20 of Mawango Village in Temeruru gathered for an exhibition at Alice Nyamudeza homestead, that showcased the unique approach to farming and agriculture. The event highlighted the importance of adapting to climate-smart agriculture concepts. Chief Executive for Genesis in Zimbabwe and the region, Ponaindimwi Matsenyengwa, emphasized the significance of this partnership.

Matsenyengwa noted that the collaboration has created an opportunity for Genesis to partner with the government and local companies in various uses of their products. This response is crucial in addressing the rising need for improving soil quality in the country, which has been exacerbating hunger in developing countries.

“Agriculture is entering a transformative era,” Matsenyengwa explained. “Although the green revolution has been successful in feeding a rapidly growing human population, it has also depleted the Earth’s soil and biodiversity, contributing to climate change. These extractive practices are not sustainable. We must move quickly to transform agriculture by employing regenerative agriculture practices.”

Regenerative agriculture, Matsenyengwa emphasized, blends sustainable innovation with tradition. It focuses on the literal regeneration of the soil and the planet’s ecosystems. This approach improves soil health, delivers high productivity and high-quality food, and helps combat climate change and restore lost biodiversity.

Practical Action’s Makoni District Officer, John Muusha, highlighted the organization’s initiative to improve farming practices for smallholder farmers. Muusha emphasized the importance of partnering with local universities to teach and train farmers in best practices.

The first pilot project results have been overwhelming, with the introduction of a new type of seed, Chihera,  by a seed company, Growtrade, and organic fertilizer applied through spraying. Unlike synthetic fertilizers, Genesis’s Relict P fertilizer is unique in the market, carrying essential nutrients that require no supplements. Matsenyengwa demonstrated the effectiveness of this fertilizer using tomatoes and potatoes harvested and sold during the field day. The fertilizer costs less than USD $20 per liter, which is sufficient for one hectare.

 

This innovative approach to agriculture has the potential to transform the lives of smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe and beyond. As the project continues to grow, it is likely to have a significant impact on improving soil quality, reducing hunger, and promoting sustainable agriculture practices.

In the quest for sustainable and environmentally conscious farming practices, regenerative agriculture has emerged as a holistic approach that seeks to improve the land and surrounding environment. This innovative method focuses on increasing biodiversity and resilience, with a strong emphasis on enhancing soil health. For many, carbon sequestering is also a critical aspect of regenerative agriculture.

At its core, regenerative agriculture aims to foster agricultural management practices that work in harmony with natural processes. Unlike conventional farming, which often disrupts the delicate balance of the ecosystem, regenerative methods strive to minimize disturbance to the natural, ecological processes occurring within the farm environment.

Several guiding principles underpin regenerative agriculture. One of the key principles is the importance of growing a diverse range of crops. This approach has numerous benefits, including attracting a broader variety of wildlife, insects, and soil microbes. These organisms strengthen the local ecosystem, making plants more resilient and better equipped to withstand the challenges of climate change.

Climate change has introduced a new array of pests and diseases that can devastate entire harvests, leaving small-scale farmers vulnerable to financial ruin. By creating a diverse local ecosystem, regenerative agriculture helps plants develop natural defenses against these threats. Many wildlife species, such as birds and bats, are natural pest controllers, reducing the need for artificial pesticides that can harm essential pollinating insects, microfauna, and even human health.

Regenerative farms actively promote biodiversity by incorporating features such as hedgerows, wildflower borders, and areas of trees. These habitats provide a haven for wildlife, while also supporting the growth of healthy, resilient crops. Additional techniques, such as layered planting and the use of cover crops, further enhance biodiversity and soil health.

Soil health is a critical component of regenerative agriculture. Farmers employ various strategies to protect the topsoil from erosion, add organic matter, and minimize the use of chemical inputs like artificial fertilizers and pesticides. One key approach is “no till” farming, which avoids disrupting the complex structure of the soil. Instead, organic matter is applied to the land, improving water infiltration, moisture retention, and nutrient absorption.

The benefits of regenerative agriculture extend beyond the farm itself, with significant implications for mitigating climate change. By sequestering carbon in the soil, regenerative agriculture can help reduce the amount of harmful CO2 in the atmosphere. The potential impact is substantial, with estimates suggesting that globally, 489 billion tons of CO2 could be sequestered back into arable farmland – equivalent to 15 years’ worth of burning fossil fuels.

In Manicaland Alice is amongst the 50 who have taken up the training programme and she told this publication that she was so grateful to be part of the pilot program and research which she is benefiting through selling of her good quality produce.

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