Matobo farmers in quinoa growing project
A GROUP of non-governmental organisations, Sizimele Consortium has selected about 30 farmers in Matobo District, Matabeleland South Province to embark on a pilot quinoa plant growing project.
The production of the herbaceous annual plant, quinoa is being undertaken for the first time in the country.
Sizimele Consortium district field co-ordinator Miss Sibongokuhle Siziba said the growing of quinoa was part of the organisation’s efforts aimed at promoting production of small grains as well as improving households food security in communities.
“As Sizimele we chose 30 farmers from 19 wards in Matobo to be the first ones to plant this crop so that we see how it grows and how it really works. Those that were chosen have already started the process of planting since its production was approved by a team of experts from MSU (Midlands State University), which visited the area to give the farmers the greenlight to proceed as well as impart to farmers the requisite information on the production of the plant,” she said.
Quinoa is a flowering plant in the amaranth family. It is a herbaceous annual plant grown as a crop primarily for its edible seeds. The seeds are rich in protein, dietary fibre, B vitamins, and dietary minerals in amounts greater than in many grains.
“The plant was first discovered in Peru and then grown in other countries that include the United States of America, China and Chile. Due to climate change as Sizimele we saw the need to introduce drought resistant crops so quinoa was one of the plants we discovered. The introduction of the crop, is one of our efforts to assist communal farmers to sustain themselves despite the effects of climate change while we will also be encouraging them to venture in income generating projects,” said Miss Siziba.
Sizimele Consortium is also involved in various agricultural projects in selected districts in Matabeleland North and South provinces.
“As a consortium we work with farmers from Matobo, Lupane and Insiza districts and the quinoa project is not the first project that we are having with Matobo people but in all 19 wards in the district we have a number of projects that include mushroom hubs, livestock ranching and boosting business for youths,” she said.
One of the beneficiaries of Sizimele Consortium projects, Mrs Sikhohliwe Mpofu of Manyane Village in Matobo said the projects have played a significant role improving livelihoods in communities.
Sizimele Consortium projects are being undertaken under the five-year Zimbabwe Resilience Building Fund multi-donor initiative with an overall budget of US$75 million.