Zim hopes farming technique will end food shortages

ZIMBABWE is hoping to one day regain its former title as the breadbasket of southern Africa. Millions of farmers are being trained in a United Nations-backed program called “Pfumvudza,” which means “early shoots” in Shona. Pfumvudza is a method of conservation agriculture that focuses on small plots that retain water easily, and it is more efficient than largescale ploughing.

“It is easy to maintain,” said George Nyamakawa (52), who lives in Murewa district about 100km east of Harare. “At the same time, it gives more food to the nation.”

Zimbabwe’s government has touted the programme as a possible food security solution, but the UN World Food Programme (WFP) is still providing food aid to about eight million Zimbabweans — more than half the population.

“I think it will take a bit of more time to work towards zero hunger and eradicate the problem all together,” said Niels Balzer, WFP Zimbabwe deputy director.

“We have a La Nina season ahead, that means normal to above normal rainfall, which the scientists predict, and we are very happy about that,” he added.

“So combined with the Pfumvudza approach or method, I think it will make a difference and we can increase the output.”

“Early shoots” farming has its limitations, according to Mandivamba Rukuni, a former economics professor at the University

of Zimbabwe who now directs a charity focused on farming innovation in Africa.

He thinks Pfumvudza has advantages, especially in that it uses easily available labour technology — “anyone can dig a small hole and plant” — and that it conserves water.

As for disadvantages, he said, “The main one is it’s very labour intensive.”

In Zimbabwe, like in many other countries, labour is becoming scarce, especially in rural areas as people move to urban areas.

Farmers like Nyamakawa say they are willing to do the extra work if the yields are higher and if they can count on authorities for support.