PERSISTENT vulnerability to frequent climate-related shocks, exacerbated by the effects of climate change poses a continual threat to the capacity of communities to secure an adequate and nutritious food supply throughout the year.
The Zambuko Livelihoods Initiative, a resilience programme supported by the United States Agency for International Development, is focused on mitigating the impact of climatic shocks by empowering local farmers with improved climate-smart technologies such as drought-tolerant seed paired with conservation agriculture, among others.
In collaboration with the lead organisation World Food Programme and partner organisations SNV, Tree of Life and MTDC, the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), is implementing the climate-smart agriculture and mechanisation components of the Zambuko programme in Masvingo Rural (Ward 15) and Mwenezi (Ward 6) since 2020.
“Through mother and baby trials which show a range of improved agronomic options available to farmers (20 mothers) and out-scaling trials which show the best performing subsets (400 babies), implementing conservation agriculture and improved drought-tolerant seed, tangible success emerges, evident in elevated yields,” CIMMYT principal cropping systems agronomist Christian Thierfelder said.
“For example, in cropping season 2021/2022 the best performing drought-tolerant maize planted under conservation agriculture yielded one tonne per hectare more than the control varieties which have not been selected for drought tolerance.”
He said the 2023/2024 season witnessed farmers witnessing maize and legume yields flourish in their mother and baby trials.
“As we approach the next cropping season, the Zambuko programme aspires to trigger a cascade of farmers embracing and experimenting with these transformative climate-smart agriculture technologies, fostering resilience against climate-induced risks.”
Thierfelder said CIMMYT’s introduction of bundled technologies in the target wards in mother trials paved the way for sustainable exploration of alternative farming practices, adapting to climate challenges.
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He said conservation agriculture principles, emphasising soil moisture and nutrient preservation, form the bedrock of the organisation’s transformative technologies.
Within the Zambuko initiative, the service provider model in the mechanisation component stands as a pillar of success.
Presently, the project is working with 31 registered service providers to monitor provision of services and regular payments on the machinery procured, seamlessly integrating local mechanics’ support for repairs.
The diverse demand for mechanised services, spanning transportation, land preparation, and post-harvest processing, underscores the programme’s comprehensive impact.
Transportation services, recognised as essential year-round, cater to planting needs from November to December and shelling requirements from May to June.
The organisation said five exemplary service providers have fully paid for their machinery, receiving ownership certificates in an official handover ceremony, marking a significant milestone.
The SPs’ impact extends beyond their wards, as referrals bring them opportunities for shelling in neighbouring areas, showcasing the expanding influence of this transformative initiative.
The initiative endeavours to achieve several key outcomes and impacts to diversify and strengthen climate-resilient livelihoods for smallholder farmers through adoption of conservation agriculture practices, increased agricultural productivity, fostering sustainable mechanization service providers, enhanced resilience to climate-induced risks and scaling up these successful models.
By achieving these outcomes, the initiative aims to create a more resilient and diversified agricultural landscape for smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe, mitigating the impact of climate change and enhancing their overall well-being.
“Central to the successful implementation of conservation agriculture practices is the dedicated effort to build and strengthen the capacity of local farmers,” it said.
“The commitment extends beyond one-time training sessions, encompassing continuous education that delves into trial establishment, effective management, and routine monitoring.”
The organisation said field days, organised by farmers, serve as dynamic platforms fostering exchange and learning, amplifying awareness of the benefits of practicing conservation agriculture.
