Turning grief into winter wheat farming success
COMMERCIAL farmer Madeline Manyika will stop at nothing to become the best wheat producer in Zimbabwe’s Mashonaland Central Province.
Madeline, the widow of national hero, Cde Elliot Manyika, says following the tragic death of her husband in a road traffic accident in 2008, she has managed to pick herself up from a heartbroken woman to a commercial farmer.
Her story is of pain, shattered dreams, perseverance and hope.
While still mourning her husband, she lost her eldest son, Ronald, who was helping her at their farm, Renabo Estates, located on the outskirts of Bindura.
Things started spiralling downwards, property was vandalised, acts of arson were committed.
As if this was not enough, illegal gold panners invaded the farm.
Government came to her rescue in August 2018 when President Mnangagwa ordered the illegal gold panning activities to stop.
This is when her fortunes improved and she has remarkably managed to turn around the production levels of the farm.
Speaking at the national launch of this year’s winter wheat production, she said: “My husband passed on in 2008, December 6. It was not an easy road. It was very tough for me. I experienced a lot along the way. In life when you still have your partner things look easier, but the truth is life is not easy.”
She said following the death of Cde Manyika, she continued farming and managed to send their children to school. At the same time, she also took care of several orphaned children from the surrounding community.
The farm was her only source of income and livelihood and when things started going sideways, all she could do was pray.
“My first born son Ronald passed away in August 2012 when things were starting to look up at the farm,” she said.
“This was a major drawback for me for a long time. I kept looking to God who is the father of widows and orphans.”
Managing the farm was a struggle, as most of the farming implements were stolen.
“I was left with nothing,” she said. “People would set fire at the farm, destroying property. I persevered with my children.”
When she thought she had seen it all, the biggest blow was coming her way — illegal gold panners invaded the farm.
The new gold rush saw massive land degradation on the fields and the whole farm.
“It was impossible to walk around the farm because there were pits everywhere,” said Madeline.
“This became a danger even to our livestock as cattle fell in the pits. People took advantage of the chaotic situation and stole the remaining property.” Life became very difficult for her. “President Mnangagwa ordered all the illegal gold panners off the farm,” she said. “We were assisted in getting the miners off the farm.
“The farm was where my husband left me and I told myself that I was not going anywhere. I was facing big challenges and I had no idea how to overcome them, but through the grace of God things changed.”
Her fortunes improved further when a privately-owned farming investment company, Makata Kurima Investment, engaged her for a partnership.
“I was sceptical at first, but I decided to try it,” said Madeline. “They came at a time when I had nothing left. I remember we couldn’t plant soyabeans because the irrigation equipment was vandalised.
“They started using a generator for irrigation and this was very expensive. Our partners didn’t give up, they are part of our family now. It is difficult to explain to someone to understand the road I travelled unless they experienced the same pain.”
Madeline has now invested in big, modern farming equipment.
“I want to go back to the state of this farm when my husband was still alive,” she said.
“It was a very productive farm and we would manage to take care of many people. We are doing commercial farming and we are targeting some of the produce like bananas for export.”
Madeline said she wants to support Zimbabwe and contribute to the food security of the country.
“I love my country and the success story of this farm is through the support from the leadership,” she said.
“I faced many trials and tribulations and I could have easily given up and concentrate on taking care of my family.”
Madeline has not yet recovered the property stolen at the farm and is now revamping the irrigation system and replacing the stolen pipes.
They draw their irrigation water from Mazowe River and now have more than eight centre pivots.
Her daughter Maureen said taking over from her late father’s vision feels like stepping into shoes that are too big.
“Most of our challenges started when my brother passed on,” she said.
“It was quite a journey and we thank God that we met good investors who have helped us turnaround the fortunes of this farm.”
Madeline’s sister Belinda said: “We are proud of ourselves that we have started to plant winter wheat ahead of everyone. We pray that we accomplish the targets that we have set for ourselves.
“So far we have planted 10 hectares of wheat and our intention is to plant 220ha.
“We have 186 hectares of potatoes and 105 hectares of bananas.”