Martin Muleya
In the rugged hills of Chimanimani district in Manicaland Province, farmers in Nhedziwa area are rediscovering the power of traditional grains to fight climate change and economic hardships.
By growing and seed banking these resilient crops, they are ensuring food security and preserving their cultural heritage.
Nhedziwa community is nestled in the Chimanimani mountains, which are part of the Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe. The area is characterized by rugged terrain, steep slopes and scenic valleys.
The soils in the area are primarily sandy loams and clay loams, with some areas having rocky outcrops, receiving a rainfall pattern of an average of around 1000mm.
But as climate change and economic challenges intensify, farmers are beginning to realize the value of their forgotten grains.
Speaking during the Chimanimbeu seed market at Nhedziwa this week, Towards Sustainable Use of Resources Organization (TSURO) Trust executive director Ottilia Mashingaidze who was represented by programs coordinator Stephen Mujee, reiterated that her organization was complementing government efforts in preserving traditional grains for farming.
“The Chimanimbeu is now part of our culture together with our stakeholders as we congregate annually to celebrate the diversity of seeds found in our district. Climate change is real and what helps our communities in terms of food security is growing grains that are drought resilient. The different traditional grains we grow we harvest enough nutrition easily. Today’s gathering is a springboard for promoting the use of traditional grains in our various communities. We also place special emphasis on conservation of biological diversity for our environment to remain with its ecological integrity,” said Mashingaidze.
She went on to say that her organization was already creating awareness to farmers on seed multification. She urged farmers to meet regularly and form seed study groups to better their yields.
For generations farmers in Chimanimani grew grains like millet, sorghum and cow peas. These hardy crops thrived in the district’s dry soils and unpredictable weather. However, with the introduction of hybrid maize and commercial farming practices, many farmers abandoned their traditional crops.
But as climate change and economic challenges intensified, farmers have begun to realize the value of their forgotten grains.
“We were struggling to grow maize due to drought and poor soils hence we have gone back to our traditional grains and they have been a lifesaver,” says Josphat Hasha Muyambo.
Today Muyambo and other farmers in Nhedziwa are growing and seed banking traditional grains with remarkable success. They have formed seed exchange programs, where they share and trade seeds with neighboring farmers. This approach has not only improved crop diversity but also strengthened community bonds.
The benefits of traditional grains are numerous. They are more resilient to drought and pests, requiring a few inputs and provide better nutrition.
“Our traditional grains are like insurance policy. They guarantee us a harvest, even in difficult times,” said Acting District Development Coordinator Elisha Mushayavanhu.
As the demand for traditional grains grows, farmers in Nhedziwa are exploring new markets and value-added products. The revival of traditional grains in Chimanimani district is a testament to the power of indigenous knowledge and community resilience. By seed banking and growing these forgotten crops, farmers are not only ensuring their survival but also preserving their cultural heritage for future generations.
