By Edward Makuzva
In the vast, sun-soaked plains of Utete Ward 19, in Muzarabani district of Mashonaland Central Province, the rhythm of farming life is changing. Where maize once stood defiantly in the fields, struggling against erratic rains and unforgiving droughts, a new story is being written one of adaptability, wisdom, and hope.
At the heart of this transformation is Ephraim Mugoniwa, a humble but visionary farmer whose journey reflects the broader shift Zimbabwean agriculture must make in the face of climate change. Mugoniwa’s decision to pivot from conventional maize farming to traditional grains such as sorghum is more than a personal triumph; it is a blueprint for a more sustainable and food-secure future for Zimbabwe.
The Shift from Maize to Sorghum: A Brave and Strategic Move
Two seasons ago, Mugoniwa made the bold decision to embrace sorghum, a traditional crop long overshadowed by maize in Zimbabwe’s agricultural landscape. “Maize is deeply embedded in our culture,” he explains, “but the climate is no longer what it was. I had to adapt or risk losing everything.”
The results have been astonishing. With support from agricultural extension officers, timely seed and chemical supplies from Farmbiz, and meticulous land preparation, Mugoniwa’s fields have thrived. Even in seasons marked by low and erratic rainfall, his sorghum crop has flourished—yielding between 2.5 to 3 tonnes per hectare. At a market price of US $500 per tonne, Mugoniwa’s income has significantly improved, lifting his family’s economic prospects and setting an example for his entire community.
His efforts were recognized in a special Field Day celebration, where he was honored with the Sorghum Field Day Award. The event was not just a ceremony—it was a moment of reckoning for the community, showcasing that resilience and innovation can sprout even from dry soils.
Climate-Smart Agriculture: A National Imperative
Mugoniwa’s story is a microcosm of a larger movement. Zimbabwe’s agriculture sector, once heavily reliant on predictable rainfall and conventional crop cycles, is now being forced to evolve. Erratic rainfall patterns, rising temperatures, and frequent droughts are disrupting traditional farming systems. The need for climate-smart agriculture—practices that build resilience, use resources efficiently, and adapt to environmental realities—is no longer optional. It is essential.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri, echoed this urgency during his address at the event.
“We know this area experiences high temperatures and low rainfall,” he said, “but these conditions are not a weakness—they are an opportunity. Traditional grains like sorghum, millet, and finger millet are tailor-made for this climate. The heat promotes rapid growth, and the alluvial soils are naturally rich, reducing the need for fertilizers.”
Prof Jiri emphasized the importance of input support from contractors, urging the establishment of a standard input package—including seed, chemicals, and fertilizers—especially in areas with less fertile soils.
Farmbiz: Bridging the Gap Between Farmers and Productivity
Behind Mugoniwa’s success is a strong partnership with Farmbiz, whose timely supply of quality inputs played a critical role in ensuring a successful yield.
Farmbiz Director Misheck Maravanyika emphasized the role of traditional crops in improving productivity.
“By focusing on crops suited to the environment,” he noted, “farmers can boost yields while reducing dependency on expensive external inputs. This is not only a path to economic empowerment but a way to preserve our agricultural heritage.”
“Since 2020, we have been collaborating with various community groups to identify and work with farmers willing to engage in contract seed production.
“Seed farming is distinct from regular commercial farming—it requires strict adherence to purity, as seeds must not be mixed with other varieties. To ensure this, we establish a selection committee made up of community members who help us identify farmers capable of meeting the rigorous standards of seed production.
“In Muzarabani, for instance, we are contracting farmers to produce SV4 sorghum, cowpeas and millet, crops that have consistently performed well in the region. Our focus is to promote the cultivation of varieties best suited to local conditions,” Maravanyika explained.
Traditional Grains: The Future Rooted in the Past
Across Utete Ward and beyond, farmers are increasingly recognizing the advantages of traditional grains. Their resilience against drought and adaptability to local soils make them ideal for climate-challenged regions.
More than just staples, these grains are now lifelines—offering a reliable food source and income stream even in unpredictable seasons.
The shift also offers broader benefits. Traditional grains contribute to nutritional diversity, strengthening household food security. They require fewer chemicals and less water, reducing environmental degradation. And they reconnect communities with indigenous knowledge systems—wisdom refined through generations of farming in harmony with the land.
A Call to Action: Scaling Up for National Impact
Ephraim Mugoniwa’s journey is just the beginning. For Zimbabwe to ensure long-term food security and agricultural sustainability, this model must be scaled. Strategic investments in farmer education, input provision, and marketing infrastructure are critical. More importantly, a cultural shift is needed—one that embraces traditional grains not as fallback options, but as flagship crops in the national farming agenda.
Government institutions, private partners, and research organizations must come together to support this transformation. As Mugoniwa rightly stated, “This is not just about my farm. It’s about the future of farming in Zimbabwe.”
Conclusion: Planting Seeds of Hope
Back in Utete Ward, as the sun sets over Mugoniwa’s flourishing sorghum fields, the sense of purpose is palpable. Each stalk represents a lesson in adaptability. Each grain a promise of resilience. In a world increasingly shaped by climate uncertainty, it is farmers like Mugoniwa who offer the clearest path forward—rooted in tradition, powered by innovation, and focused on sustainability.
Their story reminds us all: the key to feeding Zimbabwe lies not in fighting the climate, but in farming with it.
