Caritas Masvingo held a three day farmers’ symposium at Nyika Growth Point from 13-15 September 2023. The symposium was to empower the peasant farmers who were selling a variety of indigenous and traditional seeds to promote food security in their communities and the country at large under the theme ‘Agro ecology-Nature Harmonized Lifestyle’
The symposium drew farmers from Gutu, Bikita, Caritas Mutare, Caritas Bulawayo ZimPro, Fambidzanai, Trocaire, Council, Government officials from The Ministry of Women Affairs and The Zimbabwe Republic Police. The Clergy was led by Rev Fr .E. Jongwe and other board of Directors were also present.
Peasant farmers were selling traditional seeds, herbs and small grains as they have embraced the agro-ecological approach, encouraging other farmers to grow traditional seeds in order to adjust to the climate change which has affected many farmers globally.
All the participants had the chance to showcase their indigenous seeds, herbs and traditional dishes through selling and advertising. The workshop also helped many as other farmers learnt how to grow seeds from other regions or places of the country.
The Chairperson of the Caritas Masvingo Body of Directors Mr. Mabaya gave his key note address as he stated by giving the historical background of Caritas Masvingo which is the relief and development arm of the Catholic Church implementing various programs and projects in the Diocese of Masvingo showing the Catholic Social teachings of the church.
Mr. Mabaya also applauded Trocaire as it is the funding partner of Caritas Masvingo since 2007 and in this current five year funding project that has given chance to hold a farmers symposium people were discussing about agro-ecology and sharing experiences on how others are doing it in their respective districts.
Trocaire works with poor and marginalized communities in Zimbabwe to help improve food production, it also works with women to protect them from violence and encourage them to have a stronger voices.
Trocaire body member Mr. Nyoni gave a statistical summary on people they support mentioning that 11 000 people were supported with Humanitarian Aid, 39 000 people supported by Human Rights Programmes, 21 000 people supported through women’s Empowerment programmes and 8 000 people supported to grow more food.
Agro-ecology as a life style allows people to live in harmony with nature and it is a response to the Papal message of caring for the earth. Adoption of small grain that are locally adopted in different regions is ensuring food and nutrition security and it has also been the mandate to provide safe and clean water to the communities.
The symposium serves as a valuable platform for stakeholders to share best practices, experiences, and lessons learned related to farmers’ rights. This sharing of knowledge promotes collaboration among participants and encourages innovation in the development of strategies and polices to support farmers’ rights.
The symposium was a success as farmers had an opportunity to advertise, exchange ideas of farming indigenous seeds and use of traditional herbs to cure people and livestock from different communities.
