Growing strong…
The aim of the project to establish resilient, small-scale, agroecological food systems using locally appropriate food plants is on track. The key highlight is the successful transition from input distribution to strong crop establishment and community-led learning demonstrated through:
- High germination rates (~90%) and healthy crop development,
- Effective collaboration with Agritex, improving farmer skills and practices,
- Effective preparation and hosting for the community-wide Field Day, integrating agriculture, health, and social awareness,
- Inclusion of broader community members beyond direct beneficiaries, and
- Early planning for sustainability through a community seed bank
Project Area 1: Njerenje Village (Gutu District) is showing strong signs of local ownership, technical effectiveness, and holistic community impact, combining food production with education and wellbeing. The Project Lead and host of the Community Field Day and Local Food Plant Champion from Harare met with 20 participants of the “Growing Nutrition from the Ground Up” project as a key learning and engagement activity.
Project Area 2: Donga is focusing on multiplying drought tolerant seeds of sorghum, cowpea, and maize in seed multiplication plots. The intermittent rain has impacted on germination and growth.
Upcoming Schedule…
Across the project:
- Finalise MOUs with in-country partners,
- Create opportunities for Local Food Plant Champions to network with each other and organisations working in agroecology, and promoting traditional food plants,
- Continue strengthening partnerships with Agritex and local leadership,
- Inclusion of a community Field Day as a key learning and engagement activity,
- Integration of health and social awareness topics (cancer awareness, domestic violence),
- Strengthened focus on organic farming practices and mulching, and
- Development of a community seed bank for long-term sustainability
You can help…
If you wish to support FPI’s mission to promote sustainable food sources and empower local communities, please click on “Donate to this Project” in the right sidebar. Thank you!
All gifts are tax deductible and will benefit this project in their entirety except for bank fees.
