..ABAO Tendai Kamhamba Speaks on Winning First Position for Rural Councils.
By Faith Ndou
Tendai Kamhamba, Agricultural Business Advisory Officer (ABAO) for Chiredzi District AGRITEX, expressed her gratitude and pride after Chiredzi District was awarded First Position in the Masvingo Province Rural Councils category at the just ended Masvingo Agricultural Show.
“I feel honoured. This is a great achievement not only for me but for the hardworking farmers of Chiredzi District,” she said.
“We proudly represented all 32 wards, showcasing what are often referred to as marginalised crops. Yet these very crops are thriving and dominating nationally, nature has truly favoured us.”
Kamhamba credited teamwork for the success, saying the exhibition was made possible through the collaboration of three key players, Chiredzi Rural District Council, ARDAS and local farmers.
“Our display was outstanding, well decorated and well presented, showing the strength of unity,” she added.
She also highlighted the role of Agritex ABAOs in preparing farmers throughout the season from fieldwork, following correct agronomic practices, up to harvest time and crop selection.
“The farmers were well prepared and it showed,” she said.
Kamhamba emphasized that such recognition boosts farmer morale and knowledge, especially as they interact with people from different backgrounds, learn new skills and exchange cultural and agricultural ideas.
Looking ahead, she committed to continuing the journey with farmers.
“We’ll keep researching, training them in small groups through small grains programmes and helping them sustain their livelihoods using locally available resources. We’re also working on linking them with markets and pushing for more workshops and capacity building opportunities.”
She concluded by noting how the exhibition also opened networking doors for farmers connecting them with various input suppliers and with other farmers across districts.
